Tri-City municipal staff will be turning out the lights at civic facilities on Saturday night and local residents are encouraged to do the same in observation of the annual Earth Hour this weekend.
BC Hydro is asking people across the province to turn off all unnecessary lights and electronics between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. March 26 in support of the fight against global climate change.
While Earth Hour is mostly meant to raise awareness, a significant amount of electricity is saved during the event each year.
Last year, Coquitlam and Port Moody decreased their electricity consumption by 1.7% for the hour while Port Coquitlam saw a 1.2% reduction.
Anmore and Belcarra each reduced their consumption by 1.8%.
"If everyone who participated last year turned off their lights and appliances for just one hour every evening, the combined savings would be enough to power close to 2,200 homes for an entire year," said Dave Cobb, BC Hydro's president and CEO. "That's a goal worth exceeding."
Earth Hour began in Sydney, Australia in 2007 and has since spread to more than 128 countries, reaching more than 1.3 billion people. Last year, more than 10 million Canadians in 300 cities and towns turned out the lights during the event.
Port Coquitlam Mayor Greg Moore said he hopes the city can exceed last year's energy reduction and said simple actions, such as unplugging chargers when they are not in use, can go a long way toward reducing consumption.
"This is just one hour but it's a reminder of how important it is to be aware of the energy we consume throughout the year," he said. "There are a lot of easy things we can do."
The World Wildlife Fund said those who wish to participate in Earth Hour should make a plan and decide ahead of time what appliances and lights are necessary for safety purposes. Candle-lit family games night is one way the organization hopes people will pass the time along with discussing ways people can reduce their energy consumption year-round.
For more information go to www.earthhourcanada.org.
Other news:
ONE HOUR, ONE DAY
Earth Day isn't until April 22 but the Coquitlam Public Library is already gearing up for the event with an informative program on environmentally friendly living.
Library-goers are invited to learn some important energy saving tips and see environment kits containing water efficient shower heads and compact fluorescent lights.
Participants will also get the chance to win door prizes, including a Coquitlam Public Library book bag, books on being green and a BC Hydro water bottle.
The program is free and runs from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 14 at the City Centre branch (3001 Burlington Dr.). For more information call 604-927-3562.
