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Despite what they think, baby boomers are bigger energy hogs than millennials

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Baby boomers and millennials are at odds when it comes to electricity use, according to a new B.C. Hydro report. (via Shutterstock)

A new B.C. Hydro report shows baby boomers think of themselves as the more energy-conscious generation — but in reality, that's not the case at all.

Baby boomers are actually using more than double the electricity of their young counterparts, and are paying about $500 more a year. 

They're using more power because they typically have larger homes, according to B.C. Hydro spokesperson Tanya Fish.

"We found that 40 per cent of baby boomers live in homes that are 2,000 square feet or larger," she says. "If you have a larger home, you have a larger heating system, you have more lights, and more standard appliances, (like) a dishwasher, and a washer and dryer." 

For comparison, the report found millennials are three times more likely to live in homes smaller than 500 square feet. 

Baby boomers' lifestyle and habits also contribute to higher electricity bills, notes the report. More than one-third cook dinner seven nights a week; a lot of those meals are cooked in the oven (80 per cent higher than millennials). Boomers also enjoy watching the tube, with 85 per cent still subscribing to a cable service; millennials, meanwhile, prefer a tablet or laptop, which don't need as much power to run.

Luxuries like having a pool or a hot tub also require more electricity. The study show boomers are twice as likely to have a pool and three times more likely to have a hot tub. They're also 60 per cent more likely to have heated floors (can we blame them?) and 25 per cent more likely to have a home entertainment system.

Though the data shows otherwise, 53 per cent of baby boomers think millennials use more power than them.

Fish says boomers can cut down on their electricity use by doing a few things, including unplugging that second fridge in the basement or garage.

"Cooking-related, (they) can cook with smaller appliances. Using a standard oven to cook a meal for one or two people is not efficient. They can use a toaster oven or microwave."

For more power smart tips, click HERE.