In Canada, the average household uses around 800 – 1,000 kWh of electricity per month. We use almost the same amount of electricity that our neighbours across the border consume, averaging around 9,600 to 12,000 kWh annually.
We use electricity for nearly everything we do on a daily basis, such as heating, lighting, and powering electric cars.
So how much electricity do we use and how can we help curb the price and our overall consumption?
How is electricity priced in Canada?
Electricity prices differ across the country due to a number of factors – with market structure and type of available generation being the most significant. In Canada, the lowest electricity prices are found in British Columbia, Manitoba, and Quebec.
Alberta has a deregulated electricity market where the prices are market-based; whereas Ontario has partially restructured its electricity market. In other provinces and territories across Canada, electricity prices are set by electricity regulators.
What costs the most on your electric bill?
Heating and cooling are the greatest energy users in the home, making up 40% of your electric bill. Other big users are washers and dryers, ovens and stoves.
Appliances that are on 24/7 like refrigerators and freezers, although they may be “energy efficient”, can still play a big role in your electric usage.
Electronic devices like laptops and TVs are cheap to run, but over time it all adds up.
And what about electric cars? Plugging them in at home to charge will also add to your electricity usage.
Here’s a breakdown of the biggest energy-use categories in a typical home:
- Air Conditioning and Heating (40% +)
- Water Heating (15% +)
- Appliances (14% +)
- Lighting (10% +)
- TV and Media Equipment (5% +)
**Average numbers for a typical household with standard appliances, each home will differ (Direct Energy)
Common causes for high electricity bills
Trying to maintain the correct temperature in older homes can be costly; they often have poor or aged insulation in the walls, ceilings, and floors. They may also have older, single-paned windows which can let in a lot of drafts. All of these can contribute to a loss of heat and increase the amount of your electricity bill.
Older appliances will also generally cost more to run than newer ones. Making changes and upgrades to your home can be costly but will save you money in the long run on your electricity bill. Make sure you update your home insurance policy during any renovations or construction periods.
Main factors that affect your energy consumption
It’s important to know what affects the energy consumption of the average Canadian household. Here’s a list of the main factors impacting your energy consumption:
- The number of residents
- The size of your home
- The house’s energy efficiency levels
- The climate in your region
- Your electricity consumption and natural gas consumption
Myth or Fact: Does unplugging your appliances save on electricity?
You’d be surprised to learn that, yes, it does help to unplug your appliances when not in use. Many electric appliances and devices continue to use power even when they are not in use. Appliances with a simple on/off button are most likely okay, but many other appliances and devices don’t.
These are referred to as “vampire electronics” – devices that still suck power even when they are turned off. They include things like printers, laptops, TVs, routers and modems, gaming consoles, microwaves, and phones. They have a small circuit always on, ready to trigger when a button or remote is pressed.
What can we do to lower consumption?
Does your province have seasonal, peak-hour usage? Refer to your hydro bill to see the difference in rates between on, mid, and off-peak energy times. Typically off-peak is around half the cost of on-peak usage times. If you can wait and do your laundry during an off-peak period, this can help you save!
There are many things you can do to upgrade your home’s energy efficiency; whether it’s swapping out old appliances for more modern ones, or bigger changes like installing new windows. Whatever you decide to do, don’t forget to talk to your advisor about any changes that can affect your home insurance rates.
