OSOYOOS TIMES-August 5, 2009

By Laurena Weninger – Osoyoos Times

FortisBC set a record last week for summer peak electricity demand in the Okanagan region, reaching a high of 406 megawatts between 5 and 6 p.m. on July 27.
“It’s a flag for us, to realize we need to conserve energy at all times, even through the summer,” said Jodie Foster Sexsmith, communications and media relations advisor from FortisBC.
“That’s the most energy we’ve ever seen customers use in a one-hour span in the summer.”
The company services the Okanagan-Similkameen, the South Okanagan, the Kootenays and Kootenay-Boundary.
FortisBC’s records show the previous summer peak of 387 megawatts for the Okanagan region was reached on July 12, 2007.
Of the 406 megawatts, about 140 of those were used in the South Okanagan and Similkameen areas.
Foster Sexsmith said there are three reasons for the jump – a change in consumption (more people using air conditioning), the extended number of hot days in a row and the population growth in communities across the service area.
The utility has made some adjustments to its loads, moving a mobile substation in the Kelowna area and accelerating work on a Kelowna station.
“It’s actually what we call a capacity issue,” Foster Sexsmith said, adding right now the utility is able to meet the demand – but FortisBC is planning carefully to make sure they can continue to do so.
“We are making system improvements all the time to make sure to have safe and reliable service.”
But consumers can help.
“The number one tip is, we are asking people to set their thermometers as 25 degrees C or higher and shift energy use away from peak hours of 4 to 7 p.m.”
For example, if you need to run your dishwasher or dryer, do it after hours – or use your clothesline.
During extremely high temperatures, air conditioning is typically the highest energy-user in the home, states a press release from FortisBC.
Residents can help reduce electrical use during these busy peak hours by closing blinds and windows to keep out heat from the sun and only cooling the rooms that are used.
As the hot weather continues, FortisBC is providing some summer energy efficiency tips: Clean or replace your air conditioner filter regularly.
If you can, use fans instead of air conditioners.
Use only essential appliances during the day.
Reduce the use of heat producing appliances.
For example, use a microwave instead of a regular oven.
Turn off lights, computers, stereos and TVs when you’re not using them.
One way to conserve energy is to simply turn off lights when not in use or when you leave the room.
Try using timers and motion sensors for outdoor lighting.
Choose CFL (compact florescent light) bulbs, which use significantly less energy than incandescent lighting.
Don’t heat your pool at night.
Let hot daytime temperatures and your solar blanket warm it.
For more tips, visit FortisBC’s website at www.fortisbc.com.
[email protected]