Heat Wave

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Much of Southern Ontario is bracing itself for a lengthy and intense heat wave. We’ve had several hot days this summer, maybe two or three days in a row of high temperatures but nothing like we’re about to experience. Experts say the length of this heat wave will be significant. While the high temperatures are taxing on our bodies, it could be equally painful on our hydro bills.

Temperatures are expected to be above 30 for next 5 days and if you think that’s unusual, it is, we’ll have four times as many hot days this summer, as last year.

“By the weekend we’ll have had 25 of those days, this time last year, 6 of those suckers.” David Phillips, Environment Canada.

Horizon Utilities says the heat is also driving up the use of air conditioning raising the average bill by 50% That’s about $200 more on average per customer this summer. Horizon says only use your air condition during off peak hours. That means between 7pm to 7am. Other tips to keep your bill low, use a fan it will cost you pennies compared to using your AC. Cover your windows using curtains or blinds and avoid using your conventional oven to save on energy.

And these scorching hot temperatures means people are not only cranking up their AC, they’re also using a lot more water. This increase in water use is largely due to people watering their lawns and gardens more frequently and that’s going to add to your water bill too.