News Article

BC Hydro says province sleeping in, showering less in pandemic

bc home use

VANCOUVER -

The latest report on electricity usage in British Columbia reveals the COVID-19 pandemic has created an atmosphere where every day feels like a Saturday.

BC Hydro says overall power usage hasn't changed much but a survey of 500 people shows daily routines have shifted dramatically since mid-March when pandemic-related closures began.

The hydro report says, with nearly 40 per cent of B.C. residents working from home, power usage confirms almost half are sleeping in and eating breakfast later, while about a quarter say they are showering less.

Those patterns more closely resemble what hydro says is typical weekend power consumption as electricity demand occurs later in the morning and earlier in the evening.

The report also finds many people are cooking and baking more than before the pandemic, preparing the evening meal earlier, streaming or viewing more television after dinner and 80 per cent are going to bed later.

Although electricity use is normal for this time of year, hydro says homebound residents can conserve by using laptops instead of desktops, small appliances such as Instant Pots instead of ovens, and streaming movies or TV shows on a smart televisions instead of game consoles.

Related News

major utilities in the United States

Major U.S. utilities spending more on electricity delivery, less on power production

WASHINGTON - Over the past decade, major utilities in the United States have been spending more on delivering electricity to customers and less on producing that electricity.

After adjusting for inflation, major utilities spent 2.6 cents per kilowatthour (kWh) on electricity delivery in 2010, using 2020 dollars. In comparison, spending on delivery was 65% higher in 2020 at 4.3 cents/kWh. Conversely, utility spending on power production decreased from 6.8 cents/kWh in 2010 (using 2020 dollars) to 4.6 cents/kWh in 2020.

Utility spending on electricity delivery includes the money spent to build, operate, and maintain the electric wires, poles, towers, and meters that…

READ MORE
texas powerlines

Website Providing Electricity Purchase Options Offered Fewer Choices For Spanish-speakers

READ MORE

bc hydro meter

Wasteful air conditioning adds $200 to summer energy bills, reveals BC Hydro

READ MORE

35 arrested in India for stealing electricity

READ MORE

On the road to 100 per cent renewables

READ MORE