BC Hydro breaks demand record as province sees frigid temperatures
Posted December 22, 2022 10:29 am.
B.C.’s electricity provider says it has set a new record for peak hourly demand as much of the province shivers through arctic-like temperatures.
BC Hydro says its customers used over 10,900 megawatts of power Wednesday — more than 15 per cent higher than a week earlier — between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.
“Just to put that in perspective, that’s equivalent to about four WAC Bennett dams, one of our largest dams in the north of the province,” said Susie Rieder, BC Hydro spokesperson.
Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley are under an Arctic Outflow Warning and seeing temperatures drop well below freezing. Parts of the Fraser Valley Friday will see it drop even further, with some areas feeling like minus 30 C.
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Despite the increased demand, Rieder says there isn’t a threat to the province running out of power.
“We are very fortunate here in B.C. We have such a robust hydro-electric system, and we do have enough electricity to meet this increased demand, and if it should increase more as well,” she explained.
Cranking up your heat won’t heat your home faster, Rieder adds, saying adjusting your thermostat just one or two degrees more, plus using an extra layer of insulation like blinds and curtains, can be a really cost effective way to stop heat loss from your home.
“Another thing you can do is use energy-efficient lighting and put it on timers, like your holiday lights, so they don’t stay on the entire day,” she said.
Draft proofing your house is one of the best things you can do to retain heat in your home, Rieder says.
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“It’s also one of the key ways to prevent cool loss in the summer. So it works both ways, and it’s never too late to draft proof.
“I mean certainly you wouldn’t really want to take on a home improvement project this second, but … because these weather events are becoming more and more common, unfortunately because of climate change, it’s something that you might want to consider for your home.”
Rieder says that there is help available to folks who might see their hydro bills increase because of the cold snap, including a $100 credit being applied to most customers’ accounts.
“But if you’re having trouble paying your BC Hydro bill, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us via phone at 1-800-BC-Hydro to see what might work for you. We can set up an equal payment plan or discuss other flexible payment options or even available grants,” she said.
Metro Vancouver’s frigid temperatures are expected to last until Saturday, when the weather will warm up and snow turns to rain.
–With files from Dean Recksiedler
