BC Hydro set a record for the highest February peak hourly demand when demand for electricity soared to more than 10,000 megawatts on Monday evening (Feb. 11).

The previous February record for peak hourly demand of 9,795 megawatts set on Feb. 8, 2017 has been broken twice in the recent cold snap. The first time was on Sunday night when peak hourly demand reached 9,848 megawatts. That is a 22% increase over the same day two weeks ago – before temperatures plummeted.

The new February record set on Monday evening of 10,050 megawatts is just shy of the all-time record of 10,194 megawatts set on Jan. 3, 2017.

Since the cold snap began on February 3, there has been a surge in electricity use – about 13% higher on average. Electricity use is the highest between 4 and 8 p.m. on weekday evenings when British Columbians come home from work, turn up the heat, switch on the lights, do laundry and make dinner.

Heating costs can rise up to 140% in the winter months, which leads to higher electricity bills. A recent report by BC Hydro found more than a quarter of British Columbians set their thermostat above the recommended 21 degrees Celsius, and more than 40% of couples admit to arguing over the temperature of the home.

When it comes to home heating, BC Hydro recommends adjusting the thermostat based on the time of day and what activities are going on in the home can help keep costs down. For example:

• 21 degrees Celsius when relaxing or watching T.V.
• 18 degrees Celsius when cooking or doing housework.
• 16 degrees Celsius when away from home or sleeping.

BC Hydro

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