Energy use during cold snap outpacing last year’s highest week for usage

As the temperatures plummet, British Columbians are cranking up the heat.

According to FortisBC, on Jan. 14, natural gas use was up 75% compared to the previous Tuesday and 17% higher than the average January day.

Increased nature gas usage isn’t a big surprise for the company, as households heated by FortisBC use three times more natural gas over the winter season than any other time of year.

For FortisBC using electricity rather than natural gas, usage jumped 35% on Jan 14. compared to the previous Tuesday.

The last seven days were also 4% higher than last year’s highest week for usage, which was the first week of January 2019.

With much of BC experiencing extremely cold weather, we'd like to remind our customers that taking precautions to reduce heat loss can help you stay comfortable, use less energy & reduce heating bills. Get more info & helpful tips: https://t.co/zRGF3lHjxj #BCWeather #EnergyUse pic.twitter.com/WM3QzSJz2T

— FortisBC (@FortisBC) January 15, 2020

While FortisBC reports a record amount of energy use by its customers in 2019, the spike isn’t attributed to cold weather.

The legalization of cannabis and the subsequent large industrial growing operations were the catalyst for record usage numbers.

However, FortisBC is reminding customers that periods of extreme cold weather can result in a spike in heating costs.

“Often, the most affordable homes to rent or buy can be the least energy efficient,” explained Nicole Brown with FortisBC.

“That heat loss can lead to increased heating costs, which show up on bills weeks after the weather has passed.”

For more information on keeping your home warm without cranking up the heat, click here.