The cold snap across B.C. is leading to surging electricity demand, which could break the province’s all-time record.Hydro companies in BC is preparing for demand to increase by 17 per cent increase over the same time last week.

The highest demand ever recorded in B.C. was between 5 and 6 p.m. PT on Nov. 29, 2006, when consumption reached 10,113 megawatts.

Reduce electricity use at dinnertime, when demand is highest.

Weekday evenings between 4 and 8 p.m. tend to have the greatest draw on power.

■ wash clothes in cold water
■ turn off the “heat dry” function on the dishwasher
■ use a programmable thermostat to limit unnecessary home heating

source CBC