Black out day

Take part in Voluntary Blackout Day

Help us show Ontario that Hamilton is up to the challenge!

HAMILTON, ON – August 9, 2007 – Hamilton’s Mayor Fred Eisenberger along with Horizon Utilities is challenging Hamilton residents and businesses to help reduce energy consumption in Hamilton between the hours of 12:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 14 in response to the City of Woodstock’s Voluntary Blackout Day Challenge. This friendly invitation urges Ontario municipalities to reduce consumption by four per cent on the anniversary of the 2003 blackout. The goal is to ease the overwhelming demand on Ontario’s electricity supply while ultimately heightening awareness about conservation measures we can all use every day to save energy and money.

“If we all do our part to reduce energy use, I'm confident we will see a significant reduction in Hamilton's energy consumption on August 14th,” said Mayor Fred Eisenberger.

“Horizon Utilities and powerWISE® are pleased to see the City of Hamilton take on this challenge to help encourage a culture of energy conservation,” said Horizon Utilities’ spokesperson, Sandy Manners. “Achieving the four per cent reduction is as easy as turning off your central air conditioner for one hour or hanging a load of washing outside to dry instead of putting your clothes in the dryer.”

Horizon Utilities offers the following tips to help residents and businesses reduce their energy consumption on Tuesday … and every day.

• Turn your air conditioner off between noon and 8:00 p.m. if possible.
• Pre-cool your facility before noon on August 14 to participate in the challenge.
• If it is necessary to use air conditioning, set the temperature at 25 degrees C or higher.
• Keep draperies and shades drawn to reduce any additional air conditioner & fan energy consumption
• Turn off lights, computers, stereos and TVs when you're not using them;
• Replace incandescent with fluorescent lights
• Run your dishwasher, washer and dryer in the morning or after 8:00 p.m.
• Take the stairs; instead of the elevator. You'll save energy and get a little exercise to boot;
• Cook outdoors and enjoy your meal on the patio or deck;
• Dry clothes outdoors. They smell wonderful!

“The City of Hamilton already takes part in voluntarily reducing energy consumption in our corporate facilities during smog days or during hot weather periods when the electricity system is constrained,” said Scott Stewart, General Manager of the Public Works Department. “On August 14, we will go the extra mile to contribute to the four per cent target.”

Hamilton’s energy consumption will be monitored and evaluated by Horizon Utilities and the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO).

For more energy conservation tips, please visit www.horizonutilities.com www.powerwise.ca