Residents, businesses and organizations in Centre Wellington Township are invited to conserve energy during Ontario’s sixth annual Blackout Day on Aug. 14.
Across the province, Ontarians will be turning off lights and non-essential appliances, barbecuing food and going technology-free for the day.
Centre Wellington Hydro will be hosting a community barbecue that day in Templin Gardens in Fergus from 11am to 2pm. Everyone is invited to power down their home or workplace and enjoy lunch provided by M&M Meats. There will be a free raffle for a barbecue and live music provided by Fergus singer-songwriter Peter Mandic.
Local community, environmental and business leaders will be present to discuss energy conservation. All proceeds will benefit the Centre Wellington Food Bank.
This year, Centre Wellington will be engaging in a friendly competition with other Ontario municipalities to reduce energy use.
The challenge, issued by Woodstock, will have municipalities compete for the greatest drop in electricity consumption on Aug. 14.
Residents can make a commitment to energy conservation by taking the Ontario Power Authority’s Count Me In pledge.
In addition to creating a personal conservation plan, they will be entered in a draw to win a number of energy efficient appliances and electronics.
To take the pledge, visit CountMeInOntario.ca or call the toll-free number: 1-877-261-1133.
Blackout Day marks the anniversary of the major 2003 power failure that left much of Ontario and the Northeastern United States in the dark. While the power failure had many negative results, it also reminded Ontarians of their dependence on electricity and of the impact of their consumption habits.
In the days following the power outage, citizens were urged to conserve electricity as grid operators struggled to return power throughout the province.
Due largely to their conservation efforts, Ontarians were able to reduce their energy consumption by as much as 20 per cent of normal demand.
Blackout Day builds on that accomplishment – and the idea that individuals can reduce the environmental impact of power generation through simple changes in their lifestyle and habits.
Blackout Day in Centre Wellington is a CW Hydro initiative, in partnership with the Fergus BIA, the township Chamber of Commerce and the Elora Environment Centre.
More information on the event, including Blackout Day activities, can be found at cwhydro.ca.
