Beating the Heat: How Consumers Can Handle Heat Waves in Western Canada

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Saving people from extreme heat is becoming more critical as Western Canada faces increasingly intense heat waves. These scorching temperatures push power consumption to the brink, challenging the energy grids in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia. But with a bit of savvy and some practical steps, you can stay cool and manage your energy consumption effectively. Let’s dive into how you can beat the heat without breaking the bank or straining the grid.

The Challenge: Power Consumption Spikes

Recent heat waves have sent power consumption soaring. In Saskatchewan, power usage nearly hit a summer record, with temperatures causing a spike in demand. SaskPower reported that on July 28th, consumption reached 3,478 megawatts, just shy of the 2022 record. The heat impacts power production as well, with facilities struggling to maintain output due to high temperatures affecting cooling systems. To cope, SaskPower maximized imports from neighboring provinces and the U.S. and advised customers to practice power conservation.

Similarly, FortisBC saw a significant surge in electricity demand during the heatwave, hitting 714 megawatts, far above average summer days. While they didn’t break records, the utility emphasized the importance of reducing energy use to stay safe and keep costs down. In Alberta, the grid faced rare Level 2 alerts, indicating the system was running on reserves due to unplanned generation losses and high demand, especially between 4 and 7 p.m.

Practical Tips for Staying Cool and Conserving Energy

Here are some effective strategies to help you manage the heat and your energy bills:

  1. Optimize Air Conditioning Use: Keep your thermostat between 25 and 27°C to stay comfortable without overloading your AC. Use ceiling fans to circulate cool air and set your AC two degrees higher than usual. This simple adjustment can reduce cooling costs by 14%.
  2. Draft Proof Your Home: Seal gaps around windows, doors, and other openings to prevent cool air from escaping. This keeps your home cooler and reduces the workload on your AC.
  3. Smart Appliance Use: Use large appliances like ovens, dishwashers, and laundry machines during off-peak hours, such as early morning or late evening. This not only saves energy but also helps avoid peak demand times.
  4. Combine AC with Fans: Enhance your air conditioner’s efficiency by using portable fans. However, avoid using fans alone if indoor temperatures exceed 35°C.
  5. Targeted Cooling: Only cool the rooms you’re using. Close doors to unused rooms to concentrate the cool air where you need it most.
  6. Block Out the Sun: Keep blinds and windows closed during the day to reduce heat gain from the sun. Open them at night to let cooler air in.
  7. Cook Smart: Avoid using the stove or oven during the hottest part of the day. Instead, opt for no-cook recipes or use a BBQ outside.
  8. Energy-Saving Kits: If you qualify, order a free Energy Saving Kit from your utility provider. These kits include materials to improve your home’s energy efficiency and keep conditioned air inside.

The Bigger Picture: Preparing for Future Heat Waves

As climate change leads to more extreme weather events, it’s crucial to look at long-term solutions for managing heat and energy use.

  1. Adopt Cool Roofs: Consider installing cool roofs with reflective coatings to reduce heat absorption. These roofs can significantly lower indoor temperatures, easing the load on your AC and reducing energy costs.
  2. Increase Green Spaces: Urban greenery helps cool the air naturally. Planting trees and maintaining green spaces can reduce the urban heat-island effect, making cities more comfortable during heat waves.
  3. Energy-Efficient Building Codes: Advocate for updated building codes that require energy-efficient materials and designs. Cities like Los Angeles have already mandated cool roofs for new constructions, and similar measures can benefit Canadian cities.
  4. Flexible Energy Rates: If you’re on a floating rate, consider switching to a fixed-rate plan. Extreme weather can cause volatile energy prices, and a fixed-rate plan can protect you from unexpected spikes in your electricity bill.
  5. Community Cooling Centers: Support the establishment of community cooling centers where people can find refuge during extreme heat. These centers provide a safe, cool environment for those without adequate home cooling systems.

Conserve and Collaborate

Effective heat wave management requires collaboration between utilities, governments, and consumers. By adopting energy-efficient practices and supporting broader initiatives, we can collectively reduce the strain on our power grids and ensure a reliable energy supply.

Utility Efforts

Utilities like SaskPower, FortisBC, and Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) are already taking steps to optimize their systems. SaskPower defers maintenance and maximizes power imports during high demand periods. FortisBC emphasizes public safety while encouraging conservation, and AESO manages grid alerts to balance supply and demand.

Consumer Actions

As consumers, we play a crucial role. Simple actions like adjusting thermostats, using appliances wisely, and sealing drafts can make a big difference. Collective efforts in conservation can help prevent outages and reduce energy costs for everyone.

Conclusion

Handling heat waves in Western Canada involves a mix of immediate actions and long-term planning. By optimizing energy use at home, advocating for energy-efficient policies, and supporting community cooling initiatives, we can stay cool, save money, and ensure a stable power supply during extreme heat events. Let’s work together to create a resilient and energy-efficient future.

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