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
Why Canada is banning Huawei from participating in Canada's 5G network
The federal government is banning China's Huawei Technologies from involvement in Canada's 5G wireless network. Huawei and the Chinese government have vigorously denied accusations around the danger of spying, saying that the company poses no security threat.

Quebec confirms first two cases of monkeypox; 20 other suspected cases under investigation
Quebec's health ministry announced Thursday evening there are two confirmed cases of monkeypox in the province, while 20 other suspected cases are still under investigation.
LIVE NOW | Tam gives federal pandemic update, answers questions on monkeypox
Canada's Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam and other federal officials are providing an update on the COVID-19 pandemic in a virtual press conference.
After N.B. police killing of Indigenous woman, chiefs demand systemic racism inquiry
The six chiefs of the Wolastoqey Nation in New Brunswick say this week's coroner's inquest into the police killing of Chantel Moore demonstrates the urgent need for an Indigenous-led inquiry into systemic racism.
Canada imposes additional sanctions on Russian oligarchs, bans some luxury goods trade
Canada said on Friday it was imposing additional sanctions on Russian oligarchs and banning the import and export of targeted luxury goods from Russia in response to Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. The new measures would put restrictions on 14 individuals including Russian oligarchs, their family members, and close associates of Vladimir Putin, according to an official statement.
'Holy grail of all finds': Ottawa boy finds gun while magnet fishing in creek
A 12-year-old Ottawa boy is sharing his story after a magnet fishing trip turned up an unexpected find.
Prince William and Kate join Tom Cruise on 'Top Gun: Maverick' red carpet
British royalty and Hollywood royalty came together on the red carpet for the charity premiere of the new Tom Cruise movie, "Top Gun: Maverick," on Thursday night.
Blocking inflammation may be why some pain becomes chronic, study finds
A new Canadian study has found that using anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids after injury may actually increase the chances of developing chronic pain.
What to do when your home appraisal falls short as the housing market cools
The cooling housing market has left some buyers with mortgages that can't cover the full cost of their home following an appraisal. Toronto-based mortgage broker Mary Sialtsis discusses what options these buyers have.