VANCOUVER: As British Columbians look ahead to 2026, a new survey shows that 83 per cent plan to make a New Year's resolution, with some even believing their zodiac sign could influence those plans, including how they will manage energy use in the new year.
The survey1, conducted on behalf of BC Hydro, found that nearly one in five British Columbians believe their zodiac sign might influence the resolutions they make and even how energy-efficient they will be this year. The most common resolutions focus on health and wellness (37 per cent), reducing stress and prioritizing mental health (19 per cent), and improving finances (17 per cent). Air signs lead the way in setting resolutions overall (87 per cent), and 92 per cent of all signs believe they will stick to their resolutions.
That confidence extends to energy habits too. Fire signs (Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius) are the most likely to see themselves as energy-conscious, with 89 per cent claiming that trait, while earth signs like Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn are the least likely. Among individual signs, Sagittarius leads the pack, followed by Libra and Gemini.
When it comes to putting energy-saving habits into practice, water signs such as Cancer, Pisces, and Scorpio, along with earth signs, are most likely to choose energy-efficient appliances. Fire signs, true to their bold nature, lean toward smart home technology to manage energy use. Turning off lights when they are not needed is something everyone does pretty equally, but water signs stand out for being the most likely to unplug devices when they are not in use.
Charging habits tell another story: earth signs are the planners, often charging overnight on a set schedule, while air signs - Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius - are more spontaneous, plugging in whenever the battery dips low. They are also the most likely to keep devices plugged in all the time, just in case. Fire signs, interestingly, report using their devices the least. And when asked about preferred power sources, some respondents even linked their choice to their sign's vibe: earth signs gravitate toward geothermal energy for its steady, grounded feel, water signs favor hydroelectricity for its flowing nature, and fire signs pick solar for its bright, bold energy.
And in a power outage? Fire sign Aries will light candles and turn it into a cozy vibe, while Pisces… well, they are calling everyone they know in full panic mode.
Whether you are a fire sign lighting candles or an air sign planning resolutions, small changes in energy habits can make a big difference. BC Hydro recommends the following to start the year on a sustainable note:
- Join Team Power Smart and earn $100: Right now, until January 31, BC Hydro is offering double the usual reward. Customers who join Team Power Smart and cut their electricity use by 10 per cent over the next year will receive $100. It is an easy way to kick off the year with a meaningful energy resolution.
- Monitor heating: Heating is the biggest use of energy in B.C. homes during winter months. Heating costs rise about five per cent for every degree above 20 degrees Celsius. Keeping the temperature at 16 degrees when away from the home and sleeping, 18 degrees when doing housework and 21 degrees when relaxing can help avoid wasted heat (and higher costs).
- Seal gaps and cracks: One of the simplest, lowest-cost ways to improve the efficiency of your home is by applying draftproofing around windows and doors to keep the cold air out, and warm air in. Draftproofing can reduce heat loss by up to 10 per cent.
- Use energy-efficient appliances: ENERGY STAR® appliances can use 10 to 50 per cent less energy than conventional models. Check out the BC Hydro rebates being offered until January 2 on select ENERGY STAR® appliances at bchydro.com/deals.
Visit bchydro.com for more information.
Contact:
BC Hydro Media Relations
Email: media@bchydro.com
Phone: 604 928 6468
[1] Findings of online survey conducted by BC Hydro from December 11th – December 15th among a representative sample of 800 online British Columbians aged 18+ are members of the Angus Reid Forum. Margin of error of +/-3.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.