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We want the party but not the hosting hangover
Submitted by BC Hydro
As the excitement builds for this year’s Super Bowl, a new survey reveals while many British Columbians are gearing up to watch the big game, most are far less eager to take on the energy costs, food prep and effort that come with hosting a party at their home.
The survey, conducted on behalf of BC Hydro, finds more than a quarter of British Columbians say they plan to tune in on game day, and for nearly half, it is the only football matchup they will watch all season. Although almost one in five expects to attend a Super Bowl party, just four per cent plan to host. Of those heading out, about three-quarters plan to watch at a friend or family member’s house rather than at a bar or restaurant.
When it comes to why so few are willing to open their doors, many point to work involved in preparing food and the social pressure of hosting as major deterrents. Others say it is the energy – electrical or personal – required to power a Super Bowl-sized gathering.
For example, one third believe hosting a Super Bowl party significantly increases household energy consumption. Yet once they become guests rather than hosts, these concerns tend to quickly fade. Over one third admit they are less energy conscious when watching at someone else’s home, and nearly 20% said they would take additional steps to conserve energy during the game only if they were hosting at their home.
Many hosts may be making some easily avoidable energy missteps on game day. For example, more than half say they fire up the oven as their go‑to for Super Bowl snacks, even though smaller countertop appliances – like air fryers, toaster ovens and slow cookers – can whip up crowd‑pleasers using up to 75% less electricity.
About 30% stream the game, too, which uses noticeably more energy than watching through traditional cable. And with many guests following the action on multiple screens, or checking betting apps on their phones, energy use can climb quickly without anyone noticing.
When it comes to what people enjoy watching most, the game still takes the spotlight– though not by much. Twenty‑nine per cent say they enjoy the game and halftime show equally, while women are much more likely than men to tune in for the halftime show (46% compared to nine per cent).
Whether hosting or watching alone, BC Hydro suggests the following to improve game day energy statistics:
Cook with smaller appliances: Where possible, use a smaller appliance such as a toaster oven, slow cooker or air fryer. These can use up to 75% less electricity than an electric oven.
Lower the thermostat: Cooking and extra people in the home can increase a household’s temperature significantly – lower the thermostat to the recommended 18 degrees Celsius.
Skip the stream: In many cases, especially if watching on multiple smart devices or in high-resolution, streaming can be more energy intensive than watching the game on cable, So if both are options, opt for cable.
