Camrose does its part in saving energy

Camrose residents did their part in the effort to conserve energy on Earth Hour last Wednesday.

Data compiled by FortisAlberta showed that residents consumed 822 fewer kilowatt hours of electricity during Earth Hour (8:30 to 9:30 p.m.) than they did during the same hours March 24 when the temperature was 8.2 degrees colder.

"This is the equivalent of powering 13,700 sixty-watt light bulbs or 913 homes for one hour," said FortisAlberta communications advisor Kevin Haslbeck.

Earth Hour is the highlight of a major campaign to encourage businesses, communities and individuals to take the simple steps needed to cut their emissions on an ongoing basis.

"It's about simple changes." said FortisAlberta. "Collectively they can make a difference."

Camrose residents and businesses can improve their energy efficiency by: turning off their lights when they leave home; replacing conventional lights with LED lights which are sixty times more energy efficient; using reading lights when they need a small amount of light instead of overhead lights for the entire room; unplugging phone chargers, computers and other electronics when not in use as they continue to use electricity; using a power bar that can easily be shut off; using ENERGY STAR appliances which consume 30 to 50 per cent less energy; cleaning and dusting the coils at the back of their refrigerator once a year to help the compressor cool faster and run more efficiently; unplugging seldom used appliances such as that second refrigerator in the basement; running the dishwasher only when it is full; and using the microwave or toaster oven to cook or warm leftovers.