May 25, 2007
B.C. Municipalities compete in Turn It Off Challenge
VANCOUVER – More than 60 local governments have signed up to participate in the Turn It Off Challenge, a province-wide competition sponsored by BC Hydro to see which municipal government can become the most Power Smart.
Representatives from the participating local governments were in Vancouver on May 24 to take part in a workshop providing them with the necessary tools and information to implement energy saving programs and practices in their municipalities.
The Turn It Off Challenge starts on June 1 and focuses on behavioural changes. The goal is to encourage municipal employees to take simple actions that lead to energy efficiency and conservation. Showcasing Power Smart behaviour can mean as little as turning off monitors and lights in the office when they are not in use.
"This initiative provides municipalities with the opportunity to take a leadership role in energy conservation," said Lisa Coltart, BC Hydro's Director of Power Smart. "Local governments will be able raise awareness about the need to conserve electricity in British Columbia and realize energy savings in the facilities they own and operate."
Each municipality will score points for energy savings, recycling and reduction activities. The local government with the most points after the three month long challenge will win a Power Smart makeover on one of their facilities. "In our minds all of the participating municipalities are already winners," continued Coltart. "They are making a difference in our province by actively promoting energy conservation and supporting the development of a conservation culture among British Columbians."
The B.C. Energy Plan has set a target of acquiring 50 per cent of BC Hydro's future electricity needs through conservation by 2020 and the goal of becoming electricity self sufficient by 2016. Through initiatives such as the Turn It Off Challenge, local B.C. governments will be contributing to that goal and helping BC Hydro ensure there will be reliable power, at low cost, for generations.
Contact:
| Gillian Robinson Riddell |
| Media Relations |
| Phone: 604 623-4022 |
| gillian.robinson@bchydro.com |
