By Greg Fry

Extreme cold

Extreme cold leads to record-breaking energy consumption for second time this week

Dec 22, 2022 | 6:25 AM

VANCOUVER — For the second time this week, BC Hydro is reporting record-breaking electricity demand due to the extreme cold.

BC Hydro says consumption between 5 and 6 p.m. last night (Dec.21) reached over 10,900 megawatts – the highest ever recorded.

“The extreme cold has British Columbians turning up the heat and as a result we are experiencing record-breaking electricity demand,” said Susie Rieder, BC Hydro spokesperson. “Last night’s consumption was more than 15 per cent higher than the peak hourly demanded recorded last Wednesday before the cold snap began.”

On Monday night between 5 and 6 p.m., consumption topped 10,800 megawatts, which broke the previous record set on December 27, 2021.

BC Hydro says there are things you can do to lower energy consumption, such as turning down the heat when no one is home, by avoiding cranking up the thermostat, by keeping windows covered with blinds and drapes for an extra layer of window insulation, and by draftproofing your home to reduce heat loss.

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