Extreme heat drove electricity demand in British Columbia to a record summer high Tuesday evening as more households relied on air conditioning to stay cool.
BC Hydro said preliminary data showed peak hourly electricity demand reached 8,715 megawatts between 5 and 6 p.m., surpassing the previous summer record of 8,652 megawatts set in August 2025. The utility said continued hot weather could push demand even higher.
The record highlights how rising summer temperatures are changing the way British Columbians use electricity. BC Hydro said nearly 70 per cent of households now have some form of air conditioning, making cooling one of the biggest drivers of electricity demand during heat waves.
Despite the surge in demand, BC Hydro said it had enough generating capacity to meet customers’ needs and that the system continued to operate reliably. Even so, the utility said electricity use during the heat wave remains well below the demand it typically sees during the coldest days of winter.
As temperatures remain high, BC Hydro is encouraging residents to reduce energy use where possible to help lower electricity bills. The utility recommends using fans instead of air conditioning when practical, keeping blinds and drapes closed during the hottest parts of the day and closing windows and doors when it is cooler indoors than outside.
BC Hydro is also offering limited-time rebates until Aug. 21, 2026, including $50 off select window and portable air conditioners and $30 off select air purifiers.
More information about available rebates is available at bchydro.com/deals.
