By Tom Mark

BC Hydro Expecting Record Power Use

Jun 19, 2018 | 10:32 AM

BC Hydro predicts province wide electricity demand could exceed the historical record for the month of June with the heat wave that as moved in.

Hydro recorded the highest peak hourly demand of the season on Monday.

Nearly 7,300 megawatts was put out, more than a 10 per cent increase over Monday of last week
.
It forecasts the peak load to be between 7,000 and 7,500 megawatts over the next few days.

That of course due to the increase in the use of fans and air conditioners, and refrigeration units working harder to stay cool.

A new record for summer power consumption was set last August when the province’s peak hourly demand reached approximately 7,500 megawatts.
BC Hydro is urging people to use a number of energy-efficient ways to keep cool during the heat wave:

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“Close the drapes and blinds: shading windows can block out up to 65 per cent of the heat.

“Position a fan by a window or door in the evening when temperatures are cooler to direct the cool air in.

“Ensure that ceiling fans rotate counter-clockwise to help direct the cool air down.

“Hang laundry to dry: avoiding the dryer will keep unnecessary heat out the house.

“Opt for smaller appliances or take the cooking outside: use a microwave, crockpot, toaster oven or barbeque to avoid the extra heat produced by the stove or oven.

by Tom Mark