FortisBC PowerSense asks residents to turn every hour into an 'Earth Hour'
By Contributor
For the fifth consecutive year, FortisBC is encouraging individuals and communities to pledge to reduce electricity and natural gas use during Earth Hour from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. March 23.
“FortisBC PowerSense encourages customers to turn every hour into an ‘Earth Hour’ by making impactful changes that can reduce energy use and costs,” said Tom Loski, vice president of customer service at FortisBC.
“We also encourage customers to explore our various rebates and incentives that help them find ways to use electricity and natural gas more efficiently and save money.”
This year, as part of the FortisBC PowerSense Earth Hour Challenge, businesses and individuals who pledge to switch off during Earth Hour can win up to $4,000 in energy upgrades and help a local non-profit organization win the same for their facility.
Local residents can vote for the non-profit organization they would like to receive the upgrades when they pledge to reduce their electricity use during Earth Hour. Pledges can be made at fortisbc.com/earthhour or calling 1-866-436-7847.
FortisBC issued an open call for non-profit organizations in our electric service area to submit a photo and brief description of their facility and how they would benefit from an energy efficiency upgrade.
From the applications received, we selected nine organizations based on eligibility, location and the impact the energy savings could have for the organization.
The non-profit organizations eligible to win up to $4,000 in energy upgrades are
· Okanagan Boys and Girls Clubs
· Canadian Mental Health Association Kelowna
· Rutland Park Society
· North Kootenay Lake Community Services Society
· Salmo Valley Swimming Pool Society
· Iona Hall, St. Andrew’s
· Keremeos Elks Lodge #56
· Princeton Exhibition Association
In 2012, the Salmo Public Library participated in FortisBC’s Earth Hour Challenge and received much-needed energy upgrades for their 1,400 square foot building.
“After the community helped us win the Earth Hour Challenge in 2012, we replaced our old, single pane, painted shut windows with new ENERGY STAR double pane ones,” said Kay Hohn, Board Chair of Salmo Public Library.
“Now it’s warmer in the winter, quieter all year long and the air quality has improved greatly since we can now open the new windows!”
This article is a press release from FortisBC.
