A new survey conducted by BC Hydro is suggesting that more British Columbians are leaving their holiday lights up a little longer to fight the COVID-19 blues.
According to BC Hydro, four out of five B.C. residents put up decorations and lights this past holiday season, adding that nearly 40 per cent of people who decorated put up their displays earlier than usual.
With the 2020 holiday season in the rearview mirror, BC Hydro says that many have opted not to take decorations down at this point.
The energy company’s survey outlines that four-in-ten British Columbians have decided to keep displays up longer than normal.
Vancouver Islanders have been labelled particularly “merry and bright,” being considered by BC Hydro as the most likely residents in the province to leave displays up longer.
The energy provider indicates there are many reasons B.C. residents have opted to extend the holiday display season, however, says that most are saying they want to “brighten up the COVID-19 winter.”
Another reason for leaving displays up, provided by BC Hydro, is many people in the province are spending more time at home.
“Decorating is one of few traditions this holiday season that was COVID-proof, and that may be why so many will keep them up longer than ever,” said BC Hydro in a statement.
The power provider says that 10 per cent of British Columbians expect to keep them up past mid-January – with some planning to wait until February or later to take them down.
BC Hydro is recommending that residents planning on leaving displays up longer to consider switching to LED lights, plugging into timers to reduce electricity, and utilizing MyHydro online to track electricity output.
Graham Cox
