By CKPG Today

BC Hydro report

Mobile home owners face higher electricity costs – report

Jan 5, 2021 | 11:29 AM

PRINCE GEORGE — A new BC Hydro report says mobile home owners are at a major disadvantage when it comes to electricity costs.

The report found that many of those who live in mobile homes, including those in the Prince George area, are paying higher electricity costs because the average mobile home uses 50 per cent more electricity per square foot than the average single family home.

The report found that while the size of mobile homes is similar to most apartments, their overall energy use is closer to that of townhouses or duplexes.

A recent survey found that higher energy usage in mobile homes can be driven by a number of factors including inefficient heating and cooling behaviours.

BCHL Playoffs

Langley's goalie steals game one over Spruce Kings

1h ago

ckpg news special

The Resource Reality

20h ago

Crime

Paramedics injured after object thrown through ambulance window

Apr 03, 2026

The graph below shows where mobile homes are located in Prince George and area.

Information courtesy BC Hydro

For example, about 20 per cent of mobile home residents use portable space heaters as one of their heating sources – one of the most expensive ways to heat a home. In addition to that, about 85 per cent open windows at least some of the time to help regulate temperature swings in their homes.

During the summer months, the survey also found that more than half of mobile home customers use portable air conditioners, which use 10 per cent more energy than a central air conditioning system or a heat pump. Improving insulation and heating is the most impactful efficiency change you can make says the report.

The report says mobile home owners can take a few steps to help lower their bill though, including:

• Taking advantage of rebates and incentives: BC Hydro offers home renovation rebates year-round to improve a home’s energy efficiency, including rebates up to $2,000 for upgrading windows and doors, and up to $2,000 for installing a heat pump – the most efficient way to cool in the summer and heat in the fall and winter.
• Enrolling in energy saving programs: BC Hydro offers the income qualified Energy Conservation Assistance Program and energy saving kits that provide advice and products to make energy-efficient home upgrades.
• Tracking electricity use: Use MyHydro to see how everyday actions like turning on a space heater affect electricity usage.
• Joining the team: Customers can sign up for Team Power Smart and commit to cutting electricity consumption by 10 per cent over the year, earning a $50 reward if successful.