Super Bowl Sunday sees an increase in electricity use in the province according to BC Hydro, but not for the reason you might think.
Electricity use during the game does not increase more than an average Sunday, it’s the hosting preparations, starting at about 11 am, that brings the number up.
In the past four years, the increase has been about eight percent– most of which can be attributed to pre-game food prep.
BC Hydro said this is the equivalent to cooking 2.4 million frozen pizzas.
By the time kick-off happens at 3 p.m., the increased electricity load drops off to what BC Hydro would typically experience on a Sunday.
Despite an estimated 4.5 million people watching the Super Bowl every year in Canada, there is no increase during the game.
This can partially be attributed to ‘collective watching’, meaning most BC residents attend or host viewing parties, or head to a pub to watch.
As a result, there are fewer screens on during the game.
Most people also don’t wash dishes or do laundry during the game, another reason why there is not a big increase in power consumption.
To improve energy efficiency during the game, BC Hydro recommends lowering your thermostat to 18 degrees, skipping the oven pre-heat, opting for smaller appliances like an instant pot or slow cooker and skipping the heat-dry feature on your dishwasher.
How are you tuning in to the #SuperBowlLIV ?
— My Prince George Now (@mypgnow) February 2, 2020