World Cup, heat wave could lead to record

World Cup, heat wave could lead to record-setting electricity usage: BC Hydro

Published 3:19 pm Friday, June 12, 2026

One of the entrances to the FIFA Fan Festival at the PNE grounds in Vancouver on opening day, June 11, 2026. (Lauren Collins/Black Press Media)

With a heat wave in the forecast coinciding with an influx of tourists amid World Cup could lead to record-breaking spring electricity usage.

BC Hydro said Friday (June 12) that a heat wave was beginning Friday and would peak Sunday and Monday, with electricity levels expected to be the highest on Monday. Peak loads are forecast to be up to 8,500 megawatts.

A summer record of 8,652 megawatts was set in August 2025.

BC Hydro says that air conditioning use and large gatherings will both contribute to higher energy use.

That demand could rise further that the projected 8,500 megawatts, BC Hydro notes, depending on temperatures and World Cup-related activities, including cooling needs, watch parties and higher commercial use.

READ MORE: World Cup watch parties expected to spike electricity use at home: BC Hydro

Temperatures are expected to reach the high 20s and low 30s in many areas, “electricity use will increase as air conditioning runs more often and for longer periods, with additional demand from hotels, restaurants and event spaces.”