Toronto Hydro asks residents to conserve electricity as temperatures soar

By News Staff

With temperatures soaring for a third straight day in the GTA, Toronto Hydro is struggling to power the air conditioners residents are using to keep themselves cool.

The utility is asking customers to turn off their AC when they aren’t at home or to set their thermostat at 25 C for eight hours and then shift to 22 C during off-peak hours. This can save up to $18 a month.

“This summer is turning out to be hotter than last year,” spokeswoman Tori Gass said in a release.

“It’s still early in the season, so we’re encouraging our customers to conserve electricity to help reduce strain on the grid and also help them control their electricity costs.”

Toronto Hydro is also encouraging people to wait until after 7 p.m. – when off-peak electricity prices come into effect – to use large appliances like clothes dryers and dishwashers.


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The City’s medical officer of health issued an extreme heat warning on Thursday, with the forecast high of 32 C feeling more like 40 C with the humidity.

Relief will come in the way of showers and thunderstorms on Friday when the temperature will drop to a comfortable 27 C.

Quick facts

  • Air conditioning can account for up to 50 per cent of a summer bill.
  • Customers can conserve energy by closing their blinds during the day as the sun can raise the inside temperature of a home.
  • Use fans instead of air conditioning when possible as ceiling fans can save you approximately $20.50 a month on cooling costs.
  • Turn up your thermostat. For every degree higher, you’ll save between two per cent and three per cent on cooling costs.
  • Off-peak hours are from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. on weekdays, and all day on weekends and statutory holidays.

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