VancouverMETRO VANCOUVER NEWS
BC Hydro sets new summer demand record as heat drives AC use
BC Hydro says electricity demand reached 8,870 megawatts Wednesday evening, setting a new summer record as it continues rebates on select air conditioners and air purifiers.
BC Hydro says hot weather drove a new all-time summer peak for electricity demand on Wednesday, when preliminary figures showed usage reached 8,870 megawatts between 5 and 6 p.m.
That exceeded the 8,715-megawatt peak set the previous evening, July 21, and the prior summer record of 8,652 megawatts set in August 2025. The utility said air-conditioning use was behind the demand increase.
Several Lower Mainland communities set temperature records Wednesday, including West Vancouver at 32.3 C, Pitt Meadows at 35.9 C and Abbotsford at 35.4 C. Vancouver reached 27 C.
BC Hydro said its hydroelectric system has performed reliably and has sufficient capacity to meet customers' needs, while it continues to monitor conditions. It is offering retail rebates until Aug. 21, 2026: $50 on select ENERGY STAR window and high-efficiency portable air conditioners, and $30 on select ENERGY STAR air purifiers.
Environment and Climate Change Canada told Daily Hive cooler temperatures and rain were expected in the following days.