By Greg Fry

Hydro report

Sleeping in more and showering less: new report shows COVID-19 impacting personal routines

Jun 12, 2020 | 10:24 AM

PRINCE GEORGE — We’re sleeping more and grooming less.

Those are some of the results of BC Hydro’s new survey on electricity use during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Among the findings, the survey showed that over 60 per cent of British Columbians are waking up more than an hour later and 24 per cent are showering less and for shorter periods of time.

Overall, the report showed that the pandemic has drastically shifted the routines of 90 per cent of British Columbians though power usage has remained average.

The report has also revealed that 40 per cent of us are now working from home and that the pandemic also changed the way we enjoy ourselves.

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“With limited opportunities for entertainment outside of the home, British Columbians are turning to traditional television or streaming,” reads a BC Hydro news release. “The survey found that around 60 per cent are watching more than they were pre-pandemic – with 15 per cent watching more during the day on weekdays.”

For customers looking to save energy, the report suggests using a laptop instead of a desktop, which uses 80 per cent less electricity.

It’s also suggested that consumers cook with smaller appliances, such as multi-use pressure cookers, microwaves and toaster ovens that use up to 75 per cent less energy than a large electric oven.