Electricity use surges as high temperatures continue

Stifling temperatures in the Okanagan and Kootenay have led to a record high summer surge in electricity use, according to FortisBC.

On Thursday, July 30, FortisBC said demand for electricity peaked at 651 megawatts (MW).

Its previous peak summer load of 630 MW was set on Aug. 1, 2018.

“The new record reflects the growing energy demand in these regions especially during the hottest days,” the utility said in a press release issued Friday.

FortisBC expects the demand to remain high as the heat continues through the weekend and into next week.

The company says customers can see if their own use has changed by viewing their weekly, daily and hourly electricity use on their account online.

People can also lower demand on their cooling systems by:

• Closing windows curtains and blinds. Taking this step, especially when temperatures are at their peak, will prevent the sun from heating up the home.
• Installing weather stripping to seal gaps and cracks around doors and windows prevents warmer air from entering the home, helping keep the cooler air inside the home as well.

With the demand for electricity steadily increasing, FortisBC says the company is installing a new transformer at the Sexsmith substation in Kelowna that will help increase capacity.

Earlier this year, FortisBC also submitted an application to the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) for a third transformer at the Lee Terminal substation in Kelowna.