High temperatures in Toronto mean an increase in electricity demand

Toronto Hydro warning customers of potential for higher summer bills

TORONTO, July 13, 2018 /CNW/ - Electricity demand is up in Toronto, at least compared to last summer. And that's because of the sweltering heat embracing the city.

When demand for power exceeds 4,000 MW, it's a good indicator that air conditioners are working overtime. So far this year, we've already experienced seven days above this mark ? last year we only saw five days over 4,000 MW for the entire summer.

Air conditioning is the largest contributor to energy consumption in the summer months, and it can account for approximately 50% of a summer bill. We want to remind our customers that there are ways to stay cool without blasting the AC, especially as this year is much different than 2017.

Tips to stay cool include:

• Set air conditioning at 25°C during the day and lower it to 22°C during off-peak hours to save approximately $20 a month
• Close your blinds during the day ? the sun can raise the inside temperature of your home
• Use a drying rack to conserve electricity. Running a clothes dryer for 20 hours a month can cost as much as $15

For more conservation tips, visit www.torontohydro.com/conservation.

Toronto Hydro customers can also track their electricity use through mytorontohydro.com using the PowerLens portal. PowerLens allows users to see their energy use in real-time, set energy saving goals, track their progress and receive customized tips for how to reduce energy use.

QUOTES

"These hot temperatures mean air conditioners have been humming throughout the city. We want our customers to remember that this can increase electricity use, and that their bills may be higher than last year. But by following our energy savings tips, they can keep these increases to a minimum."
-       Tori Gass, Spokesperson, Toronto Hydro

ABOUT TORONTO HYDRO

Toronto Hydro owns and operates an electricity distribution system, which delivers electricity to approximately 769,000 customers located in the city of Toronto. It is the largest municipal electricity distribution company in Canada and distributes approximately 18% of the electricity consumed in the province of Ontario.

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SOURCE Toronto Hydro Corporation