BC Hydro challenges B.C. to reduce energy use by 6% for Game 7
Accidental conservation continues during the Stanley Cup Finals
VANCOUVER – With Game 7 and the performance of their lives ahead for the Vancouver Canucks, BC Hydro is challenging British Columbians to also deliver top performance in conserving energy by aiming to reduce energy use across the province by six percent Wednesday night.
Playoff history shows that overall electricity demand in B.C. drops while the games are being televised, indicating that even small behavioural changes can add up to make a difference, whether that comes from doing fewer other activities or people gathering en masse to watch the game together.
During Game 6 Monday night, BC Hydro reported an average of 4 per cent reduction in the provincial electricity use for the duration of the game. The highest reduction of the playoffs, 5.6 per cent, was during Game 3 of the Canucks vs. Boston Bruins Stanley Cup playoff final.
In addition to reduced overall power use during the big games, BC Hydro has also observed a reduction in the lighting load expected after the game. For example, during Game 6, the peak expected due to lights coming on all across the province was 300 megawatts, or 5.5 per cent lower than normal.
Energy conservation is the best and most cost-effective way to meet B.C.'s growing energy needs. Although some of the results could be attributed to accidental conservation, it seems that most British Columbians are glued to their televisions and watching the game in large groups and not participating in other energy consuming activities.
About BC Hydro
Fifty years ago, British Columbians turned to BC Hydro to build the clean electricity system they count on to power B.C.'s economy, create jobs in every region, and keep the lights on. Now, BC Hydro is building again for the next 50 years. B.C. continues to grow and so has the need for more electricity.
That's why BC Hydro is building, renewing, and encouraging conservation to meet today's needs and those of future generations. In 2011, BC Hydro is celebrating 50 years of providing power for British Columbians, and inviting them to help prepare for the next 50 years.
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BC Hydro Media Relations
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