BC Hydro gets ready for global conservation effort
VANCOUVER – The Province of B.C. and BC Hydro are encouraging British Columbians to turn off unnecessary lights and electronics to mark Earth Hour on March 27 from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Earth Hour, an annual global event hosted by the WWF and sponsored provincially by BC Hydro, encourages individuals to show their support for the fight against climate change. In 2009, more than 4,000 cities and towns in 88 countries signed up to participate, including 84 communities in British Columbia.
"Earth Hour represents a unique and powerful idea. It unites millions of people around the world for one common cause – to conserve energy and to take action against climate change." said Premier Gordon Campbell. "The Province is pleased to participate again this year and I encourage British Columbians to do the same and to do their part to conserve electricity and set an example for future generations to follow."
BC Hydro will measure and report on Earth Hour savings for the entire province and for some individual regions. Last year, there was a reduction of 1.1 per cent in electricity use provincewide. The municipality with the highest reduction was Sooke at 4.8 per cent. Pemberton followed closely at 4.6 per cent.
"We are working to build a conservation culture in B.C. where conservation happens naturally and is integrated into everything we do collectively and as individuals," said Bev Van Ruvyen, acting president and CEO, BC Hydro. "BC Hydro is pleased to support Earth Hour because it encourages people to learn conservation behaviours. In fact, last year, we saved more than 72 megawatts of electricity during Earth Hour – the equivalent of turning off 1.5 million lights."
Earth Hour began in Sydney, Australia, as a one-city initiative in 2007 and has grown to become a global phenomenon. This year marks the third year of BC Hydro's participation. In year one, there was a two per cent reduction in the provincial electricity load during Earth Hour.
"Ultimately, we want our customers to demonstrate their leadership by participating in Earth Hour, but I would also encourage people to take steps to conserve everyday and do things that go beyond turning off the lights for one hour," added Van Ruyven. "Washing your clothes in cold water, turning off the dry function on your dishwasher and turning down the heat by one degree are all examples of concrete, tangible things you can do right now."
BC Hydro offices throughout B.C. will "go dark" for Earth Hour, as will many government offices and the Parliament Buildings.
Contact:
Simi Heer
Media Relations
Phone: 604 623 3963