Air conditioning use on the rise: B.C. Hydro

British Columbians are apparently not that chilled out when it comes to air conditioning use.

A new B.C. Hydro report said Friday that many residents are adding multiple portable units, increasing their summer energy bills by more than $200. Hydro says air conditioning use in the province has more than tripled since 2001. The company expects that number to rise as more people spend time at home because of the COVID -19 pandemic, and as portable air-conditioning units become cheaper with a wider range of products available.

A survey commissioned for B.C. Hydro found that 80 per cent of British Columbians are planning to spend more time at home this summer as a result of COVID-19. Twenty per cent of those without air conditioning are considering purchasing an air conditioning unit this summer, the survey found.