Baby boomers think they're better at conserving energy than millennials, but they're actually using more than double the electricity, BC Hydro says.
A report released Friday by the utilities provider examined electricity use by generation, and found more than half of boomers thought millennials use more power than they do.
Only 40 per cent of millennials thought boomers used more.
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But it turns out, boomers use twice as much, the study suggests.
Tanya Fish, a spokesperson with BC Hydro, says that’s likely due to the perception that millennials are constantly on tablets, laptops and cellphones.
“These small devices use a very minimal amount of electricity compared to things like a traditional television and a PVR,” said Fish.
Other reasons include owning larger homes and having more appliances and luxury amenities.
Four-in-10 of the boomers surveyed live in homes that are at least 2,000 square feet, while millennials statistically live in much smaller homes.
Larger homes mean boomers are more likely to have more electronics, pools, hot tubs, a wine or beer fridge and heated floors.
Boomers are more likely to cook dinner at home, in the oven, and are more likely to subscribe to cable TV, the BC Hydro report said.
The company is using the report to encourage people to conserve more electricity. They recommend shopping smart when in the market for a new oven, stove or fridge.
“Twenty per cent of a home’s electricity use goes towards those large appliances so if you’re looking to buy a new appliance look at those Energy Star models, they’re much more efficient,” explained Fish.
Using smaller appliances like toaster ovens can also conserve energy.
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