The latest report on electricity usage in the province shows that British Columbians are sleeping in more, and showering less, due to the COVID-19 pandemic – a shift in daily routine that resembles a typical weekend pattern.
BC Hydro says that, while home electricity use remains at normal levels for this time of year, a survey of 500 people shows that daily routines have “drastically” shifted since mid-March, when many COVID-19-related closures began.
With 40 per cent of British Columbians working from home five days a week, weekday electricity use is peaking later in the morning, and earlier in the evening, more closely resembling a typical weekend pattern, according to the hydro report.
The report also found that, with no morning commute, many British Columbians are waking up later during the week, often more than an hour later than they normally would.
That also means a later start to the daily grind, according to the report, with nearly 45 per cent of British Columbians saying they eat breakfast later, and 24 per cent saying they shower less often, and for shorter periods of time, than they used to – all of which contributes to a later morning peak in electricity use.
Working from home has also changed the frequency and time of cooking during the week, said BC Hydro. About half of respondents said they bake or cook more often, and make dinner earlier, than before the pandemic.
More people are also streaming or viewing TV during the week or later at night, leading to a later bedtime, said BC Hydro.
