How Much Does Electricity Cost?
Electricity is measured as you draw from the power grid. It
flows from the supply lines and through the electrical meter. As electricity
flows through a conductor an electromagnetic field is created. The strength of
the electromagnetic field is directly dependant on the amount of electricity
being used. The greater the strength of the field the faster the meter spins. Or,
the faster the digital meter computes.
Electrical use is measured in Watts.
We are billed for electricity use in kWh (kilowatts per hour).
kWh = using 1000
Watts of electricity for 1 hour.
1 kWh = using
10 100W light bulbs for 1 hour Cost $.0635 to $.0827
1 kWh = running a
1000W vacuum for 1 hour Cost
$.0635 to $.0827
We have a two level
rate system in BC. As of October 1,
2008 the Step 1 rate (up to 1,350 kWh) was 5.98 cents per kWh. The Step 2 rate
(above 1,350 kWh) was 7.21 cents per kWh. This has since increased, as of April
1, 2009 to Step 1 rate of 6.35 cents per kWh, and the Step 2 rate of 8.27 cents
per kWh.
Prior to this, the rate across the board was 6.55 cents per
kWh. Although we have low rates in BC, and most likely always will compared to
the rest of the world, electricity rates will continue to increase.
Link to the BC Hydro
web page on rates.
http://www.bchydro.com/news/articles/conservation/bc_hydro_s_two-step.html
There are numerous ways to reduce electricity costs. The
simplest is to just turn the power off when your lights etc. are not in use.
Energy efficient appliances, timers, dimmers, LED or compact fluorescent bulbs
and high efficiency fluorescent ballasts are another solution.
Link to the BC Hydro
web page on rebates.
http://www.bchydro.com/rebates_savings/product_incentive_program.html
The energy efficient ballasts are a great
thing to do for commercial buildings. The energy savings (40-70%), combined
with the rebates now offered by BC Hydro will pay for the entire project in
18-30 months. After that, the savings go directly to the bottom line.
Our population is increasing, energy use is increasing and
electricity rates are increasing. The most efficient solution, from an
electrical standpoint, is to build mega-project hydroelectric dams in out of
the way places.
British Columbians have been building dams since the turn of
the century. The period of greatest activity occurred in the 1950's, 60's, and
70's when BC pursued an aggressive program of large-scale
dam construction. Hydroelectric power production (for domestic use and export)
was the major purpose of these large-scale dams. Most British Columbians
embraced dam construction in the post-war period as a positive step toward
economic prosperity. That began to change in the 1970's as residents witnessed
the serious environmental and social costs of dams. The decline of fish stocks
and the permanent drowning of productive farmland, valley-bottom forest, scenic
canyons, and (in some cases) entire towns fueled a growing public opposition to
new dams. During the 1970's and 80's, grass-roots lobbying blocked the
construction of new dams on the Skagit, Stikine,
and Peace rivers.
Recently, BC's provincial government responded to public
opinion by legislatively protecting important salmon rivers against future dams
under the Fish Protection Act. In addition, BC has embraced
two important programs — the "BC
Heritage Rivers System" and the
"Canadian Heritage Rivers System" — which officially commemorate BC
rivers that represent outstanding values of provincial and national
significance. These values include history, culture, economy, recreation, and
ecology.
Programs are in place for smaller private projects and many
such projects are under way. As a homeowner or business owner you can install a
grid-tie system and produce your own
electricity. Slowing down your meter or feeding power back into the system and
receiving a cheque from BC Hydro.
We want more electricity and we don’t want to pay very much
for it. But we also don’t want to build hydroelectric projects. Something will
have to give. At the moment, rates are increasing and incentives are being put
in place to reduce usage.
For information on back up power system or grid tie systems
contact us at enquiries@pacificstarelectric.ca.
Or visit our website at:
http://www.pacificstarelectric.ca/
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