Go Figure: How much power will it take to keep us cool this summer?

Credit: Pexels from Pixabay

B.C. is using more power than ever during summer—so as the province flips on the A/C, we break down the system that helps us keep our cool

34% of B.C. households used air conditioners in 2017, 3X MORE than in 2001

A/C accounts for about 20% of provincial power consumption, or 1,300 megawatts on the hottest days of summer

7,800 Highest peak hourly summer power demand to date in B.C., set on July 30, 2018

Days last July with peaks over 7,000 megawatts: 14

Average from 2015-17: 8.7

AVERAGE ELECTRICITY PRICES IN VANCOUVER, IN CENTS PER KILOWATT-HOUR, 2017:
RESIDENTIAL: 11:3
INDUSTRIAL: 7.05

13.5 megawatt hours:  B.C.’s annual per capita electricity consumption in 2016
8th in Canada
9% lower than national average

IN 2016, B.C.’S TOTAL ENERGY DEMAND WAS MET BY

17,701 megawatts:  B.C.’s power-generating capacity, 2017

11%  of Canada’s total electricity generation

4th-largest electric power producer in Canada, after Quebec, Ontario and Alberta

Capacity expected to be added when Site C comes online 
1,100 megawatts

16  Prospective geothermal energy sites in B.C.

ESTIMATED GENERATING POTENTIAL OF 1,000 TO 3,000 MEGAWATTS

ESTIMATED CAPITAL COST FOR A 100MW GEOTHERMAL PLANT: 
$40 MILLION