Six smart tips to help reduce energy use by 6 per cent for Game 7
VANCOUVER – After challenging British Columbians yesterday to reduce energy use by six per cent during Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final, BC Hydro today offered six simple things that fans can do to deliver their own winning performance tonight:
- If you're not too excited and nervous to eat, plan for a cold supper while the game is on – no stove or microwave required.
- Get together with friends and watch the game on one television – and make sure the television is rated Energy Star.
- Head to a fan site in your community to watch the game on a big screen.
- Turn off the lights everywhere in the house except where you are watching the game.
- Go chores free – don't do laundry or run the dishwasher while the game is on.
- Pick one device to follow the game: television, radio, internet or smart phone.
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/Bruins series.
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.
Visit BC Hydro’s web site at www.bchydro.com or follow us on twitter: @bchydro
For more information, please contact:
BC Hydro Media Relations
Direct: 604 928 6468