The recent cold snap that gripped most of B.C. meant a higher energy demand, which FortisBC delivered with gas being the primary power source.
During the week of Feb. 10, FortisBC’s gas and electricity systems reached their highest demand for energy this winter keeping homes and businesses warm.
Despite a mild beginning to the winter season, FortisBC’s gas and electricity systems reached their highest demand for energy this week, with the gas system delivering approximately 19,523 megawatts (MW) and the electricity system delivering 739 MW, stated a news release from FortisBC.
Temperatures dropped to below -4 C in the Lower Mainland and around -12 C in Kelowna and with this colder weather there was increased demand for energy.
FortisBC’s electricity system reached peak demand hour on Feb. 11, delivering around 739 MW of power.
During peak demand hour on Feb. 12, the FortisBC gas system delivered approximately 70 terajoules of energy, equivalent to 19,523 MW of power.
“The cold weather we are experiencing this week serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of having resilient, reliable and flexible energy systems, capable of meeting high demand. By using the strengths of both the gas and electricity systems, we can ensure that customers have the energy they need when they need it most,” stated Joe Mazza, vice president of energy supply and resource development. “In recent years, including last year, the gas system provided nearly double the amount of energy used on the coldest day of the year compared to the electricity system. "
He added that by using both gas and electricity, FortisBC could ensure a more reliable, balanced energy system that keeps homes and businesses running efficiently.
In the coldest days of the year, gas and electricity customers can use around 160 per cent more energy compared with energy use on an average winter day. This is because in colder weather, heating systems are used more frequently, and it can take more energy to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.
