A new survey by BC Hydro found while most residents still get into the holiday spirit, more people are going all out decorating for Halloween than for Christmas for the first time ever.
The survey conducted on behalf of BC Hydro finds half of British Columbians decorated their home for Halloween this year, and of those 13 per cent considered their outdoor décor to be a ‘mega display,’ of ten or more strings of lights, and at least one plug-in inflatable decoration.
In comparison, while just over half of British Columbians are also planning to decorate for the winter holidays, ten per cent are planning a mega display for the exterior of their home.
“Christmas displays are still more popular (overall) than Halloween displays. For those folks who decorate and go all out on the mega displays, for the first time ever, there are more British Columbians favouring them than the usual displays for Christmas,” said Mike Kellett, BC Hydro spokesperson.
With that in mind, BC Hydro has a few tips for residents who wish to save money on their monthly bill over the holidays.
The crown corporation says using those big inflatable displays outdoors can add up to $50 on your electricity costs.
Kellett added more people should consider using LED lights, which use significantly less power.
“British Columbians may not realize this but some of their decorating choices like using those old-fashioned and incandescent bulbs instead of LED lights may be contributing to higher costs for them.”
Switching to LED’s can help you save over $40 on your hydro bill during the holidays.
Lastly, we often see a lot of “keeping up with the Joneses” as it pertains to mega displays over Christmas.
“Many are also competing with their neighbours in terms of almost 30% said they are more likely to put up a great huge elaborate display if their neighbours are doing it.”
Elaborate holiday displays account for about three percent of the provincial electricity load during the winter holiday season.
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