Extreme weather in 2021 is being cited as the cause for record breaking electricity demand in BC.
BC Hydro released a new report this week showing record peak loads last year due to extreme temperatures in both summer and winter that lasted for extended periods of time.
In the summer, many places in BC broke temperature records, and BC Hydro experienced 19 of its top 25 all-time summer daily peak records, including breaking its all-time summer peak hourly demand record.
Then, the holiday season saw extremely cold temperatures and heavy snow that resulted in the highest and longest sustained load levels ever experienced on the BC Hydro system.
This winter so far, BC Hydro has experienced 11 of its top 25 all-time daily peak records.
On December 27, BC Hydro broke its all-time peak hourly demand record.
“We use peak loads to describe the electricity demand in the province during the highest load hour of each day,” says Kyle Donaldson, BC Hydro spokesperson.
“With the heat dome in the summer and the sustained cold temperatures in December, we saw more record-breaking hours on more days last year than any other single year.”
Weather also caused “electricity anxiety” for British Columbians, BC Hydro said.
In a survey, 76% of respondents said they are concerned about the reliability of their electricity supply because of climate change.
“BC Hydro has enough supply options to meet growing demand for power,” says Donaldson.
“We have always seen our highest demand in the winter months, but demand for power in the summer months is catching up and we saw a distinct shift in that direction last year with more air conditioning load.”
According to the report, current climate models suggest “a warming trend continuing in years to come” which could increase demand year-round. But, BC Hydro says their flexible hydroelectric system can meet changes in demand quickly.
“To meet increased demand, including from electrification, BC Hydro is preparing its system for increasingly challenging and unpredictable weather brought on by climate change,” the company said.
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