Province-wide electricity demand is expected to reach record breaking highs for summer peak hourly demand this week because of increasing temperatures.

The weekend is expected to bring temperatures in the high 30’s and low 40’s.

Photo Credit: The Weather Network

As a result, BC Hydro is anticipating peak hourly demand over the next few days to be between 7,500 and 7,800 megawatts – breaking the previous summer record of 7,468 megawatts set on August 11th, 2014.

“We do expect there to be an increase in energy consumption due to the hot weather for obvious reasons, like air conditioning,” says Dag Sharman, Manager of Community Relations for BC Hydro. “Especially in the Okanagan because we use more power in the summer than in the winter, and most of B.C. is the other way around.”  

According to Sharman, they expect a significant increase in usage, but they don’t expect it to be problematic for the system.

However, in response to the increased demand, BC Hydro is recommending that people take steps to be energy-efficient during the heat wave, including closing drapes and blinds on windows, using ceiling fans, hanging laundry to dry, and using smaller appliances such as microwaves and toasters.