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VANCOUVER – Youth who care about the environment and dream about working in the film industry are being asked to combine their passions and go "Off the Grid" by entering BC Hydro's first ever youth filmmaking contest.

Youth between the ages of 13 and 24 are invited to submit a 30 to 60 second clip to www.offthegridvideo.com with their best and most creative way to conserve electricity. "Off the Grid" challenges young filmmakers to put their energy saving ideas on tape and demonstrate why they feel conserving electricity is a film-worthy subject. Visitors to www.offthegridvideo.com will vote on their favorite clips and be eligible to win one of three digital cameras. Filmmakers of the most popular clips have the chance to win a video camera and editing software. Ten finalists will be chosen for the grand prize, a three day filmmaking camp at the Gulf Islands Film and Television School on Galiano Island.

"Today's youth are living in an age of unprecedented electricity consumption. BC Hydro wants to hear their creative ways to be energy savvy and be leaders in creating an conservation culture here in B.C." said Lisa Coltart, BC Hydro's Director of Power Smart. "British Columbia has set a goal of acquiring 50 per cent of the province's future energy needs through conservation by 2025. Through 'Off the Grid,' we hope to hear ways to bring about change and help British Columbians reach that goal."

Five short films focusing on energy conservation produced by the ten finalists at the Gulf Islands Film and Television School will be showcased at a film gala hosted by BC Hydro in October.

Youth can visit www.offthegridvideo.com to find out how they can submit their energy saving ideas and help BC Hydro provide reliable power, at low cost for generations. The deadline for submissions is September 28, 2007.

Contact:

Gillian Robinson Riddell

Media Relations

Phone: 604 623-4022

gillian.robinson@bchydro.com