The ‘Big Switch Off’ is a countywide campaign, supported by Leicester City and County Councils, all Leicestershire District and Borough Councils and Groundwork Leicester and Leicestershire to increase energy efficiency and reduce wasted energy by encouraging businesses, households and individuals to switch off unnecessary electrical equipment and lighting to save energy and cut CO₂ emissions.

 

The campaign culminates in a 2-hour switch off event on Friday 17th October 2008 between 4.30 - 6.30pm. This time, between 4.30 and 6.30pm, has been specifically chosen as it is the daily peak energy demand period, as people return home from work and school and turn on lots of electrical equipment kettles, TV’s, DVD players, games consoles etc. The day, Friday, has been chosen to ensure that items are turned off before the weekend and the date, 17^th October, chosen as it falls near the beginning of National Energy Saving week (October 20^th – 26^th).

 

Central Network, which supplies electricity in the Midlands, will be measuring the amount of electricity used during the period of the Big Switch Off and comparing it with a similar period last year. They will then be able to report back the amount of electricity saved.

 

Energy conservation and energy efficiency are the easiest steps individuals can take to reduce their impact on climate change, cut their carbon footprint and save money. The Carbon Trust estimates that nationally around 60% of energy used in offices, amounting to £180 million a year, is wasted by leaving office equipment such as computers, printers and photocopiers on standby. It is a similar story in homes in the UK with equipment left on standby in wasting enough energy to power over a million properties a year. With increasing energy prices it is more important than ever to be more prudent with energy usage and help minimise the risk of climate change.

 

The ‘Big Switch Off’ campaign will provide tips, information and resources to encourage households, businesses and organisations, schools and community groups to reduce energy demands by switching off unnecessary appliances using electricity on standby, turning off lights in unoccupied rooms, unplugging mobile phone chargers and taking steps to improve energy efficiency.

 

Further information can be found here: *www.leics.gov.uk/bigswitchoff

 

For further details on joining the campaign, please contact Leicester City Council on telephone number (0116) 252 6776 during office hours, or email environment@leicester.gov.uk