BC Hydro encouraging residents to participate in Earth Hour

Mar 24, 2018 | 9:20 AM

KAMLOOPS — BC Hydro is encouraging residents to unplug and conserve energy during Earth Hour Saturday evening. 

B.C. has participated in the climate change awareness event over the last 10 years, but BC Hydro spokesperson Susie Rieder says participation has been declining. 

“Since we’re fortunate enough to have electricity in B.C. that’s generated from clean and renewable resources the tie into climate change for Earth (Hour) isn’t as strong here in B.C. as it might be in other places that have their power generated by let’s say coal or gas,” Rieder said.

Rieder says since 2008, B.C. has saved the equivalent of turning off 92 million LED light bulbs during Earth Hour, and last year the Southern Interior reduced its electricity load by 1.7 per cent during the event. 

“We see this as a symbolic event,” Rieder said. “It’s about changing your habits every day in little ways and becoming aware of how you can make a difference. You can act on really small things that can deliver not only a lot of energy savings, but a lot of dollar savings as well. So, little things like lowering your thermostat, or unplugging unused electronics, and hanging your laundry to dry for instance.”

Earth Hour runs between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m.