Bluewater Power (BWP) is offering some energy conservation tips in order to stay cool and save money during this week's heat wave.
In a post to X, the utility is encouraging us to use a programmable thermostat and set it to the highest possible comfortable temperature - ideally 25 C when you're home, and 28 C when you're out.
We're being told to consider using ceiling or portable fans as an alternative to air conditioning, open windows at night, close blinds and curtains, hang clothes outside instead of using a dryer, cook meals using the microwave or barbeque and eat outside in the shade.
President and CEO Janice McMichael-Dennis said she's confident the local system will be able to handle an increased demand.
"We spent another $12 million locally last year on system improvements, and about $100 million over the past decade," said McMichael-Dennis. "So, the system is in great shape. That's not to say that it's not possible that you could have a piece of equipment overheat in an extreme usage situation. We keep our fingers crossed, and if something happens we have the best crew ready to go and respond."
McMichael-Dennis said it's important to keep a close eye on your energy usage.
"If you have the benefit of central air, and you turn your temperature down, in six weeks that will be impacted on your bill," she said. "It's not unusual, during heat waves, to have a power bill that's about double what your normal one is."
McMichael-Dennis said they've noticed that consumption is on the rise.
"We normally see consumption peak on day three of a heat wave," said McMichael-Dennis. "So, Wednesday I'm expecting the numbers to peak there. Certainly it won't be the highest in our history, with the loss of some larger industrial load in the area and whatnot."
Environment Canada said daytime temperatures will reach the mid 30s this week with humidex values in the mid 40s, while much of southwestern Ontario is blanketed in a multi-day heat event.
Lambton Public Health also issued its first heat warning of the year on Monday.
