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More snow expected for Metro Vancouver

B.C. Hydro records record for consumption on Jan. 3.
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When people don't clear the snow from the sidewalks in front of their homes

More snow is expected in Metro Vancouver, starting Thursday night.

It is expected to continue until at least Sunday, then turn to rain, according to Environment Canada.

Temperatures aren't expected to drop below minus-2 C.

How much snow is expected is not known.

This winter will be one of the coldest and snowiest in Metro Vancouver since 2008 and 2009.

While the cold spell lingers, cities in Metro Vancouver are watching their supplies of road salt because of a regional shortage.

Maple Ridge was expecting to replenish its supplies Tuesday.

The city will have enough for whatever snow falls on this weekend.

Pitt Meadows has about a five-day supply left.

Meanwhile, B.C. Hydro set a record for power consumption on Jan. 3, between 5 and 6 p.m.,

when demand peaked at 10,126 megawatts.

This new record breaks the previous record, which was in place for more than a decade.

The old record was set on Nov. 29, 2006 when consumption reached 10,113 megawatts between 5 and 6 p.m.

B.C. Hydro records the highest demand for electricity in the winter months between 4 and 8 p.m. on weekday evenings, when the majority of British Columbians come home, turn up heat, switch on lights, or do laundry and make dinner.

Demand for electricity is expected to remain high as the cold snap continues.

B.C. Hydro is preparing for peak loads between 9,800 and 10,200 megawatts this week.

Residential energy consumption can increase, on average, by 88 per cent in the colder, darker months.

B.C. Hydro is reminding customers there are simple ways to save power during the winter:

• manage your thermostat by lowering it by two degrees to save five per cent – lowering it by five degree to save 10 per cent;

• unplug your second fridge and save up to $90 per year;

• unplug unused electronics and save $50 per year;

• wash laundry in cold water and save $27 per year;

• turn off unnecessary lights and save $12 per year.