(File photo/CKOM News Staff)

By CKOM News

Power usage spikes during cold snap

Feb 11, 2021 | 12:14 PM

It seems people in Saskatchewan have been plugged in during the recent cold snap.

SaskPower has seen a rise in power consumption, with peak usage nearing a record set in 2017.

According to the company, peak usage reached 3,692 megawatts. The record peak was set on Dec. 29, 2017 at 3,792 mW.

For customers, SaskPower has some advice to increase household energy efficiency.

First, it says large appliances use the most power so people should make sure they’re using them when needed, like when there’s a full load of laundry to be done. Also, consider hang-drying clothes.

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When cooking, avoid opening the oven before food is done. When shopping for new appliances, look for the Energy Star logo.

Home heating and cooling makes up about 22 per cent of a household’s power consumption. Homeowners should consider using a programmable thermostat and make sure doors and windows are sealed tight.

Electronics consume about 19 per cent of household electricity. Unplugging devices like game consoles and phone chargers and turning off computers can reduce that consumption.

SaskPower also recommends using LED lightbulbs, which use 80 per cent less electricity and last 15 times longer than incandescent bulbs.

Finally, while plugging in vehicles is necessary in the extreme cold, SaskPower says they only need to be plugged in for about four hours. It says a block heater timer can result in $30 of savings each year.