VANCOUVER: Leaving the TV on, adjusting the thermostat or keeping the lights lit throughout the day – many B.C. pet owners are using electricity to keep their pets calm and comfortable while they are away, and new BC Hydro research finds those well-intentioned habits can add up on energy bills.
Ahead of National Pet Day, a new BC Hydro survey1 finds pet owners often go the extra mile for their furry companions, even when no one is home. Nearly one in five say they leave lights or heat on for their pets all day, while 13 per cent leave a TV, radio or smart speaker running – with TV the most common choice. Many say the background noise helps reduce anxiety or makes the home feel less empty.
“Pets are part of our families, so it’s completely understandable that people want them to feel comfortable when they’re home alone,” said Susie Rieder, BC Hydro spokesperson. “But some of these well meaning habits – especially leaving heat or air conditioning on all day – can use more electricity use more than people expect, particularly during cold winter or hot summer days.”
The survey found that comfort related energy use is especially common when it comes to temperature. Nearly one in four women say they almost always adjust heating or cooling for their pets, about 10 percentage points higher than men. These small adjustments can have a noticeable impact on electricity use, especially in homes with electric baseboard heating or where air conditioning runs continuously.
Many pet owners are also turning to technology for peace of mind. One in four pet owners (24 per cent) say they use cameras to monitor their pets while away, making it easier to check in remotely. However, only 12 per cent currently use smart thermostats, which can automatically adjust heating and cooling when no one is home.
Looking ahead, the survey suggests pet owners are open to smarter, more efficient solutions. More than 40 per cent say they would feel comfortable using smart home automation to help care for their pets, and nearly half (46 per cent) say it is important for them to receive alerts about issues like temperature drops when pets are home alone.
This National Pet Day, BC Hydro is reminding customers that caring for pets and managing energy use do not have to be at odds. Small, thoughtful changes can help keep both pets and power bills comfortable. BC Hydro encourages pet owners to consider:
- Saving on efficient cooling with BC Hydro’s $50 rebate on select ENERGY STAR® window air conditioners and high efficiency portable AC units, available May 1–August 21, 2026.
- Joining Peak Saver, BC Hydro’s voluntary program that automatically reduces energy use during periods of high demand by adjusting eligible smart thermostats and EV chargers, offering participants a $100 enrolment bonus and $50 in seasonal incentives, with the option to override adjustments at any time.
- Using timers or smart plugs instead of leaving lights or electronics on all day.
- Setting smart thermostats to adjust temperatures automatically.
- Using a fan instead of AC to cool, which costs about $7 if running nine hours a day over the entire summer.
- Choosing LED lighting for areas pets use most, which are up to 90 per cent more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs for the same brightness.
- Checking in via pet cameras rather than leaving TVs or radios running for long periods.
Visit bchydro.com/powersmart for more information on how to save energy and money.
Contact:
BC Hydro Media Relations
e. media@bchydro.com
p. 604 926 6468
[1 ] Online survey conducted from March 20th– March 25th, 2026, based on a representative sample of 801 British Columbians aged 18+ are members of the Angus Reid Forum.