Toronto Hydro urging residents to conserve electricity as temperatures soar

Air conditioners working overtime as city swelters under heatwave

TORONTO, July 28, 2015 /CNW/ - Toronto Hydro is experiencing a surge in demand as the city suffers through a heatwave.  With more hot weather in the forecast, our customers are being asked to reduce their electricity use to help reduce the strain on our equipment.

Yesterday's peak demand was approximately 4,100 megawatts (MW), which is approaching last year's record high of 4,273 MW. Peak consumption usually occurs in the late afternoon, when temperatures are highest.

Prolonged heatwaves strain electricity distribution systems because overnight temperatures don't dip below 20ºC. The warm overnight temperatures don't allow transformers and cables to cool sufficiently. The increased electrical load, as well as the inability for Toronto Hydro's equipment to cool down, can cause localized power outages due to heat-related failures. 

Customers should also be mindful of higher on-peak prices for electricity during weekday afternoons (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Air conditioning can account for up to 50% of a summer bill. Toronto Hydro asks that customers turn off air conditioners when they aren't home or set their thermostat at 25ºC for eight hours a day. Then, shift to 22ºC during off-peak hours. Doing this can save customers up to $17.60 a month.

For more conservation tips, visit torontohydro.com/smartsummer

KEY CONSERVATION TIPS:

• Use a ceiling fan instead of air conditioning
• Keep doors and windows closed while the air conditioning is running
• Close curtains and blinds to keep out the hot summer sun
• Hang clothes to dry
• Save other heat-producing activities such dishwashing for cooler evening hours after 8 p.m.
  

QUOTES

"When the temperature rises, it's only natural to reach for the air conditioning dial.  But with a prolonged heatwave, our system needs everyone's help to keep it running smoothly.  Please do your part to conserve electricity."

• Tori Gass, Media Relations Specialist, Toronto Hydro

ABOUT TORONTO HYDRO

Toronto Hydro owns and operates an electricity distribution system, which delivers electricity to approximately 740,000 customers located in the city of Toronto. It is the largest municipal electricity distribution company in Canada and distributes approximately 18% of the electricity consumed in the province of Ontario.

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SOURCE Toronto Hydro Corporation

Tori Gass, Communications and Public Relations, 416-903-4037, [email protected]; 24-hours media line: 416-903-6845, [email protected]