Stories & Features

Distance yourself from high bills with a few changes at home

Thanks to effective social distancing here in B.C., we now see light at the end of the tunnel. But we're still spending more time at home than usual, so let's take a look at a few ways you can keep those bills down.

First, a reminder that BC Hydro has launched a few special programs to help those hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic.

1. See if you qualify for help paying your BC Hydro bills

If you or your spouse/partner have stopped working due to COVID-19, you may be eligible for the COVID-19 Relief Fund which allows you to receive three months of credit on your BC Hydro residential bill. The credit amount is based on your average consumption and you won't need to pay it back.

If you're not eligible for the Relief Fund but are still struggling to pay your BC Hydro bills, you can defer bill payments through BC Hydro's COVID-19 Customer Assistance Program.

2. Check that the heat is off

It's surprising how many of our customers, especially those with electric baseboard heating, have been bitten by this oversight. You go into a seldom-used room, turn up the heat, then wander away and don't discover until days, weeks, or even months later, that it's still on. Very costly.

As our chilly winter gives way to welcome warmth, reset your thermostat. Do you really need the heat kicking in on a spring day once the temperature dips to 18°C overnight? And check that your electric or gas fireplace is off. Use the warmth of the sun to warm spaces in the home, and once it's hot, use the combination of windows and air flow to cool your home (more on that later).

Save up to $120 a year by lowering your thermostat by two to five degrees.

3. Avoid using a lot of hot water

Check out the latest on water temperatures for handwashing and laundry. And recognize that by spending more time at home, you may be showering at home more than usual – no longer able to at the gym or club. Try to limit your showers to five minutes and, if you have a lot of hair, turn the water off while shampooing. Consider buying a low-flow showerhead.

4. Wear a sweater, hoodie, socks or slippers

We can't quantify the savings on this, but as you're about to turn up the heat on a cold spring morning, consider tossing on a thick hoodie or sweater, plus shoes or slippers. Come to think of it, we can quantify it. Turning down the thermostat by just two degrees year round can save you 5% on your heating bills.

Make your home more comfortable with tips from a thermal comfort expert.

5. Make a seasonal change with window coverings

We need all the help we can get from sun spilling through our windows when it's cold. But even in Vancouver last May, there were six days where the temperature hit 23°C or higher. And in Kamloops, it hit 30°C seven times. So the hot days aren't far off, and that's when it's a good idea to close south and west facing window shades mornings and afternoons, along with all windows and doors. Open up those windows once the temperature outside is cooler than it is indoors, and create that air flow that on most days should keep you comfy without air conditioning or fans.

Low-cost ways to beat the heat

6. Get smart with power in the kitchen

One small change in the kitchen won't save you a lot, but when you combine cooking with microwaves and other small appliances with de-selecting the heat-dry dishwasher setting and running full loads of dishes, the savings add up. See Dave's kitchen savings tips at powersmart.ca.

7. If you haven't already, join Team Power Smart

It costs nothing to sign up for Team Power Smart, which can help you with your energy budget in two ways. One, you get all sorts of tips and insights into energy use in the home. And two, you can start a 12-month energy-saving challenge that can earn you a $50 reward if you hit the savings target.

Oh, and you can enter member contests for monthly prizes.

Learn more about Team Power Smart