The effects of Earth Hour go beyond measurable statistics as people around the world turn off the lights Saturday night.
The eighth annual energy-saving initiative encourages people around the world to power down and unplug their electronics from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Simi Heer, BC Hydro’s media relations manager said the change in energy consumption is negligible across British Columbia.
“The energy savings aren't significant,” she said. “Over the last six years we've seen a range of one percent to two percent.”
Courtenay and Comox on Vancouver Island were the two communities in B.C. with the highest level of energy savings at nearly ten per cent.
But the hour is more of a symbolic event, and Heer said the real impact of the campaign is the increased level of environmental awareness.
“It's a way to look at your own behaviour and what you do in your household, and how you could perhaps change a few things to conserve year round,” she said.
Residents around the Lower Mainland have their own ways of saving energy.
William Zahara said the economic impact is what motivates him to use less energy each day, including hanging clothes to dry rather than using the dryer.
“I don’t like that bill,” he said with a laugh. “There's a lot of things, small things … that help get [the bill] down.”
Ajay Kaila said he will be making small changes including disconnecting his Play Station game.
“It’s really easy. All you have to do is unplug all your electronics, or some of your electronics,” Kaila said. “It saves a lot more energy than you think.”
Major landmarks around the world including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Shanghai World Financial Center also turned their lights off for 60 minutes.
With a report from CTV Vancouver’s Maria Weisgarber
