By James Peters

Majority of BC pet owners admit to favouring pet comfort over energy conservation

Oct 26, 2018 | 5:00 AM

VICTORIA — BC Hydro says the majority of British Columbians view their pets’ comfort as more important than conserving energy.

According to a new survey, 52 per cent of BC pet owners lean toward leaving heat, light or electronics on for their furry friends rather than saving electricity.

BC Hydro spokesperson Tanya Fish says that could be costing pet owners an extra $400 annually.

Fish says the utility is not suggesting pets should suffer, but there are ways people can save energy and money.

“We found that 90 per cent of British Columbians do leave their heat on for their pet at least some of the time during the winter months,” said Fish. “So just things like turning down – maybe not having it at 22 degrees, turning it down two degrees to 20 degrees – could save them about five per cent on their electricity costs.”

Notice of unclaimed ashes: Alf Michael James Steen

7h ago

TWO & OUT

PETERS: The world is telling you not to travel. Don't listen.

7h ago

Looped In

LOOPED IN WITH NIKKI OMEN: May 7, 2026

May 07, 2026

“Obviously, we encourage people to keep their pets comfortable,” added Fish. “I’m a pet owner myself and I do leave the TV on for my dog sometimes when I leave the home. So we totally get that. We do want pets to be comfortable, but just looking at different ways (for people) to reduce their electricity use while they’re doing that.”

by James Peters

Click here to report an error or typo in this article

Majority of BC pet owners admit to favouring pet comfort over energy conservation

Our Community