Hydro-Quebec asking residents to lower electricity use during deep freeze
Just like a dad during winter, Hydro-Quebec is asking you not to crank up the temperature on that thermostat.
A deep freeze in parts of Quebec is driving up demand for home heating which could cause electricity demand to reach “historic highs” over the next couple of days, the utility said. It’s not the warning people wanted to hear, especially in Montreal, which could see record-breaking cold temperatures on Friday.
Hydro-Quebec is asking residents to use less electricity throughout the day on Friday into Saturday morning, which may prove difficult for many who are teleworking.
“The company understands that the current situation, with many people working from home, makes this challenging for some, but wishes to remind customers that every little bit counts,” the company said in a news release.
Residents are being asked to curb their electricity use by turning down the thermostat by a degree or two, especially in rooms that aren’t being used, and to reduce the use of power-hungry appliances like dryers and dishwashers.
The company says it will reduce the heating and lighting in all of its buildings in Quebec.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'My little love is now flying high': Families pay tribute to Texas school shooting victims
Families are sharing photos and stories of their loved ones, who lost their lives in a mass shooting in Texas that killed at least 19 children and two adults on Tuesday afternoon.

Beto O'Rourke confronts Gov. Abbott on shooting: 'This is on you'
A news conference about the shooting at a Texas elementary school broke into shouting Wednesday as Democratic gunbernatotrial candidate Beto O'Rourke blamed Republican Gov. Greg Abbott for inaction ahead of the latest in a long string of mass shootings in the state.
'Not parent expected': When a DNA test brings distressing results
While genealogical DNA tests may be marketed as harmless and exciting way for people to learn more about their ancestral heritage, CTVNews.ca speaks with a Canadian researcher who says more support is needed for those who get unexpected results that have potential to disrupt family relations.
Here's how to watch tonight's French Conservative leadership debate
Later tonight, the six candidates on the ballot to be the next leader of the Conservative Party of Canada will be debating each other in Laval, Que. CTV News will be live-streaming the debate with English translation and offering real-time updates and analysis, and you can follow along.
Depp retakes witness stand, calls Heard's allegations 'insane'
Johnny Depp called his ex-wife's accusations of sexual and physical abuse 'insane' Wednesday as he returned to the witness stand in his libel suit against Amber Heard.
Governor: Texas gunman said he was going to shoot up school
The gunman who massacred 19 children and two teachers at an elementary school in Texas had warned in online messages minutes before the attack that he had shot his grandmother and was going to shoot up a school, the governor said Wednesday.
Monkeypox in Canada: PHAC now confirms 15 cases countrywide
With Quebec confirming an additional 10 cases of monkeypox identified in the province, the Public Health Agency of Canada says they are monitoring a total of 15 cases across the country.
'My heart breaks': Trudeau reacts to Texas elementary school shooting
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says his 'heart breaks' for those impacted by the 'horrific' shooting at an elementary school in Texas that killed 21 people on Tuesday.
Clean up, power restoration efforts underway after destructive Ontario storm
Crews are working to restore power to more than 150,000 Ontario customers who are still without hydro after a deadly storm swept through the province on Saturday.