Whistler marks Earth Hour on March 28

Residents and businesses invited to participate and power down

March 25, 2015: Whistler, B.C. − On March 28 from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) will celebrate Earth Hour by turning off non-essential lights and “powering down,” while encouraging local residents, visitors and businesses to do the same. The municipality will also be hosting a special candlelight skate at Whistler Olympic Plaza from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Mayor Nancy Wilhelm-Morden said, “I invite all residents, visitors and businesses to power down and find creative ways of reducing energy consumption during Earth Hour on March 28. Earth Hour demonstrates the impact of our collective efforts to reduce our electricity consumption, and it is our hope, of course, that some of these simple changes extend beyond Earth Hour.”

Last year, Whistler reduced electrical power consumption by six per cent: the highest savings of all 69 communities registered in British Columbia. You can help Whistler keep the top spot on B.C.’s Earth Hour podium in 2015.

Here are some fun ideas for celebrating Earth Hour:

Head outside and gaze at the stars (weather permitting, of course);
Host a candlelit or LED headlamp-lit dinner for friends and family;
Camp out with the kids on the living room floor; or
Enjoy a special candlelight skate at Whistler Olympic Plaza.

British Columbians can extend Earth Hour into every day through simple conservation actions including:
Hanging clothes to dry;
Turning down the heat – especially when not at home; and
Choosing ENERGY STAR products when upgrading lighting, appliances, and electronic equipment. From now until the end of April, BC Hydro is partnering with retailers across the province to offer instant rebates and other incentives.

BC Hydro provides tools, resources and incentives to help people conserve year-round. Visit bchydro.com/powersmart for tips on how to be smart with your power, and find more information about Earth Hour in B.C. on BC Hydro’s website.

Whistler’s community energy monitoring

Whistler’s community-wide annual electricity consumption for 2014 decreased from 2013 levels by an estimated 5.3 per cent, and the commercial sector decreased by 6.7 per cent, representing estimated savings of more than $120,000 across the commercial sector alone.

Energy conservation continues to be the foundation of the RMOW’s approach to climate responsibility. Whistler is committed to energy tracking and year-round energy conservation. Read more about Whistler’s energy performance and find energy saving tips for your home, transportation or business.

Find out about the RMOW’s residential energy assessment rebate program at whistler.ca/powerdown.

About Earth Hour

Earth Hour was founded by the World Wildlife Fund in 2007 in Sydney, Australia, when 2.2 million individuals and more than 2,000 businesses turned their lights off for one hour to draw attention to energy consumption and climate change. Earth Hour is an opportunity for communities to raise awareness about energy consumption and climate change, while taking steps to conserve energy. Earth Hour also provides a chance to celebrate making a commitment to our planet beyond the hour. This will mark the eighth year that Whistler participates in Earth Hour.

For more information about Earth Hour visit www.earthhour.org.

How will you conserve energy?