Changing work habits increase home hydro use, reduce pollution
British Columbians sleeping late, driving less
Our response to the COVID-19 pandemic has radically reshaped British Columbians’ work days, energy use, and even the air we breathe.
School drop-offs are a thing of the past and many people are getting up at least an hour later than normal, with no need to commute.
“On the odd day that I need that extra hour or two of sleep, I take it, and my personal and work life benefits from the flexibility,” said learning support teacher Nat Raedwulf Pogue. “I love seeing my students face to face and I miss them, but I am grateful and see the benefits of any situation.”
With four children at home now, her work schedule bends around their needs. But Pogue says she is less likely to call in sick as a home-based worker, which sometimes caused her to lose income.
“I have scheduled meetings, but they are flexible,” she said. “I enjoy saving money from the drop in my commute time and the extra time I get in the mornings and afternoons.”
A casual poll of people newly working from home found that many would like to continue the arrangement at least part-time after the pandemic passes.
Since office and retail closures chased many people from their normal workplaces in mid-March, residential electricity use is up nine per cent compared to last year, according to B.C. Hydro.
“We have seen evidence of a shift in electricity demand throughout the day that seems to align with British Columbians’ changing daily habits,” said a Hydro spokesperson.
The morning peak has shifted “likely due to some British Columbians not waking up as early to rush out the door for school or work.” Power use doesn’t drop nearly as much in the afternoon.
The evening consumption peak is earlier than ever, probably because people are preparing dinner earlier after a short commute from their laptop computers to the stove.
A dramatic reduction in the number of cars on the road is having a measurable effect on air quality in the region.
Data from Metro Vancouver’s network of air-quality monitoring stations show “reductions in the ambient concentrations of some pollutants, including those associated with vehicle exhaust,” the regional government said.