Latest news with #heatWave
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
AEP, Westerville can take control of smart thermostats in heat wave, here's what to know
Don't touch that dial, Westerville. Residents in the city's energy savings program are watching their thermostats set themselves this week in response to the heat wave melting central Ohio and beyond. Westerville's Electric Division, which serves all of the city, on Monday, June 23, raised temperatures in the homes of the 1,084 customers in the division's energy savings program, and notified customers that it planned to do the same from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 25. Customers unhappy with the change can override the division's settings. The phantom thermostat changes aren't new. Each summer, the division typically adjusts thermostats eight to 13 times, said Westerville Community Affairs Manager Mariah Beidleman. Last summer, thermostats were adjusted nine times between June 19 and Aug. 28. The adjustments are typically done in two steps, said Beidleman. Thermostats are first dropped 2½ degrees for an hour to cool the home, then raised 4 degrees for two or three hours. American Electric Power manages a similar program called the Power Rewards: Smart Thermostat Program, which allows AEP to adjust participants' thermostats remotely. The AEP program changes thermostats in the same way as the Westerville one: homes are first cooled, then thermostats bumped up 3 degrees during heat waves. AEP officials could not be reached to say whether the utility has employed the program during this heat wave. Citing the "significant burden" the heat wave is placing on the electric grid, AEP asked customers this week to limit their energy use during peak hours of 3-7 p.m. by turning off or unplugging unused devices and lights, turning up their thermostats and avoiding the use of large appliances like dishwashers, ovens and washing machines. The National Weather Service in Wilmington has issued an "extreme heat watch" for the central Ohio area from Sunday, June 22, to 8 p.m. June 25. Real estate and Development Reporter Jim Weiker can be reached at jweiker@ and at 614-284-3697. Follow him @JimWeiker This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Westerville, AEP programs save power by regulating home temperatures
CTV News
12 hours ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Olivia Chow pushes for stronger heat contingency plan after record-breaking temperatures
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow says the city needs to be better prepared for dealing with extreme weather events. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow says the city needs to be better prepared for dealing with extreme weather events. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow says she is bringing a motion to city council to fix some of the 'gaps' that were exposed in the city's response to a three-day heat wave this week. The motion comes just two days after Chow apologized for the controversial closure of some city pools amid sweltering heat that felt as hot as 45 with the humidex, at points. A city spokesperson previously said that the decision to close some pools on an intermittent basis was done in order to ensure compliance with provincial requirements around staff health and safety. Chow, however, later said that the pool closures 'cannot happen again' and that the city must ensure it has sufficient resources to keep pools open, regardless of the temperature. With temperatures now subsided, Chow is pressing council to take the lessons from this week and rethink its approach to extreme heat — proposing longer pool hours, a review of the shift away from dedicated cooling centres, and expanded crisis response, including mobile water trucks and Red Cross volunteers. The motion, seconded by Coun. Alejandra Bravo, also aims to review the 2019 shift from a resiliency officer, assess the feasibility of restoring 24‑hour cooling spaces, and add medical staff to support lifeguards. 'We know we could do better,' she told reporters Wednesday ahead of a council meeting. 'I am bringing forward a motion that city council to address some of the gaps that are identified over the weekend. We will have stronger extreme heat contingency, including a plan to make sure that pools… remain open if the humidex hits 45 degrees again. We have hired more lifeguards. We have a public health nurse that do checks to make sure lifeguards are doing okay in heat, all of those problem are fixed.' Criticism and accountability The Ministry of Labour confirmed to CTV News on Wednesday that it has not sent any inspectors to City of Toronto pools over the last week and that any decision to close pools was taken by the City of Toronto 'on their own' Doug Ford, in an interview with Newstalk 1010 earlier this week, called the stated reason for the pool closures 'a poor excuse' but said he was 'not blaming Chow' for the decision. Meanwhile, Coun. Jon Burnside was less charitable. Coun. Jon Burnside Coun. Jon Burnside speaking to reporters on Wednesday June 25, 2025 (CP24 photo). 'We knew a snowstorm was coming before these things didn't just all of a sudden pop up. We have lots of time to prepare, lots of time to have contingencies, yet nothing seems to have happened,' he said. 'The question that I'd like to ask her is, like, is this the first heat wave we've had? We've had multiple heat waves. We've got things right before other municipalities get things right. Why do we need to add a chief heat officer? Why do we need to add more bureaucracy? Let's just hold people accountable.' Affordable housing, school food and transit Toronto saw three consecutive days of record-breaking temperatures this week, including a daytime high of 36 C that was the highest temperature recorded in the city since 2016. While the city grapples with intensifying summer temperatures, Chow framed the crisis as part of a larger challenge — making Toronto more livable and resilient in the face of climate change. 'Life in Toronto is too expensive,' she said. 'I grew up in St. James Town where my mom, working as a maid, didn't have to worry too much. A recent survey noted that the average Torontonian is spending as much as 63 per cent — that's like six out of $10 of their income — on housing, more than double the 30 per cent recommended by experts.'
CBS News
2 days ago
- Climate
- CBS News
Is your thermostat in the wrong spot? Why it could be costing you in this heat wave
How to save money on your energy costs during a heat wave | In Your Corner How to save money on your energy costs during a heat wave | In Your Corner How to save money on your energy costs during a heat wave | In Your Corner While the U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to at least 78 degrees, there are other things you can do around your house to try to stay cool and keep costs down without sacrificing too much comfort. As heat index values could reach as high as 110 degrees, your air conditioning will likely be working overtime. To ensure it's running as efficiently as possible, check the filter. Experts recommend you change your HVAC filter every one to two months. A clogged filter can reduce airflow and put extra strain on the system, according to Philadelphia-based Lawrence Heating and Air. CBS Philadelphia Adding a smart or programmable thermostat can also help you save by scheduling the temperature to increase when you leave and cool down by the time you get home or go to bed. Some local utilities, like PECO, might also offer rebates for installing a smart thermostat. The U.S. Department of Energy says you can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by adjusting your thermostat seven to 10 degrees from its normal setting for up to eight hours a day. Location, location, location But even if your system is running smoothly, the location of your thermostat could make a substantial difference. An interior wall in a central, frequently used room, like the living room, is an ideal place to ensure it is reading accurate temperatures. Placing it above air vents, near windows or doors, or in direct sunlight can cause your system to run unnecessarily, increasing your costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Likewise, make sure it's not near any lamps, electronics, like TVs, or appliances that emit heat. Other ways to save energy Fans can help keep air circulating while using less energy. Just make sure your ceiling fan is set to spin counterclockwise so that it's blowing cooler air down. Your fan should have a switch near its motor to change its direction. CBS Philadelphia Avoiding oven use and air-drying dishes instead of running the heated dry option on your dishwasher can also help keep things cooler inside your home. Waiting to use appliances until nightfall during off-peak hours can also save energy and money. Also, take a look around your home to make sure you don't have cracks around your doors or windows, or any leaks in your ductwork or around your window A/C unit. You don't want your cool air escaping or warm air coming in. PECO, PPL, Atlantic City Electric and PSE&G all offer home assessments or audits — either for a low cost or no cost — where someone can come out and help you find where you could be losing energy and money. Do you have a money question, a consumer issue, or a scam story you want to share? Email InYourCorner@
CBC
11-06-2025
- Climate
- CBC
Quebecers are in for a hotter-than-average summer, Environment Canada forecasts
Quebecers appear to be in for a sweltering summer, with hotter-than-normal temperatures on the horizon. Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) unveiled its seasonal forecast on Tuesday, which shows that most of the country is in for warmer-than-average summer temperatures. The seasonal forecast doesn't tell you when exactly you might experience days of extreme heat or heat waves, and that's why ECCC meteorologist Jennifer Smith says it's important to stay informed and be prepared. "When a heat wave hits and lasts several days, it's important to have a plan," said Smith. That can include signing up for alerts to be up to date on weather systems in your area and in case of extreme heat, staying cool and hydrated and taking care of those who are vulnerable. Despite the very high probability of a hotter summer, ECCC maps indicate the wildfire weather risk will be on par with seasonal averages for the province. The risk is greater in Western Canada, where as of May 30, wildfires have burned an area three times bigger than the 10-year average. Fires burning elsewhere can still impact Quebec with air quality at risk of worsening when plumes of smoke travel away from the source. To track air quality in your area, you can consult the ECCC's Air Quality Health Index or wildfire smoke map. Warmer summer and extreme heat, new normal ECCC meteorologists stressed that climate change plays a role in seasonal forecasts, with Canada's average summer temperatures having warmed by 1.8 degrees since national record-keeping began in 1948. Quebec, like the rest of Canada due to its position in the northern hemisphere, is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and is warming at a rate that is two times faster than other regions in the world, according to Ouranos, Quebec's climatology and climate change innovation hub. What that means is that the province is set to see more days of extreme heat and more heat waves in the near future. "If we just think of the number of 30 C days, for example, those are expected to increase pretty drastically over the next few decades," said Ouranos climatologist Chris McCray. Modelling maps simulating moderate greenhouse gas emissions show Montreal could see an average of 23.5 days with temperatures above 30 C from 2031 to 2060, up from an average of 12 days for the period from 1991 to 2020. "Because we've put … so much greenhouse gas into the atmosphere over the last few 100 years, the warming is already in progress," said McCray. And because emissions have not started to decrease on a global scale, McCray said, global and local temperatures are going to continue to increase. "Unfortunately, those changes at this point are inevitable in the short term," he said. Impacts of climate change on health The warming climate is likely to have a significant impact on public health, McCray said. "We know heat is a big contributor to cardiovascular issues, people who already have health, physical and mental health issues, those problems can be aggravated and worsened by extreme heat," he said. Heat-related deaths in Quebec currently average 470 annually, according to research cited by Ouranos. Projections under a moderate emissions scenario indicate this could double or triple by 2040. The economic costs linked to heat are already substantial, at an estimated $3.6 billion per year. Ouranos warns these costs could also increase by three to five times under the same scenario. A warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture, so Quebec is also likely to see an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events, which can lead to localized flooding. McCray said unfortunately, much of the urban infrastructure that exists now was built for a climate that no longer exists. While in the long term, the solution to reduce the impacts of climate change is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, in the short term, "we need to adapt," McCray said. Things like planting more trees to reduce urban heat islands, adding more sponge parks and decreasing areas with asphalt and concrete surfaces are all measures that can help.
