What is The Big Switch Off?
The ‘Big Switch Off’ is a countywide campaign to reduce wasted energy by encouraging businesses, households and individuals to switch off unnecessary electrical equipment and lighting to save energy and cut CO2 emissions.
It's supported by Leicester City and County Councils, and all Leicestershire District and Borough Councils.
When was The Big Switch Off?
The campaign lasted from Monday 12th until Sunday 18th October.
During this week, residents were asked to look at how much energy they are using, and see whether there is anything they could do to reduce their consumption. Various events were held to provide information about energy saving as well as giveaways and free resources.
Central Network, which supplies electricity in the Midlands, measured the amount of electricity used during the period of the Big Switch Off and compared it with a similar period last year. They were then able to report back the amount of electricity saved.
Why The Big Switch Off?
Energy conservation and energy efficiency are the easiest steps we can take to reduce our impact on climate change, cut our 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 with equipment left on standby wasting enough energy to power over a million properties a year. With increasing energy prices it is more important than ever to be more careful with our energy usage and help minimise the risk of climate change.
Big Switch Off Results
Energy equivalent to 66,000 100 watt light bulbs being turned off for a week was saved during this year's event in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
Central Networks recorded consumption as being 0.5% lower for the week than expected across the whole area, amounting to a financial saving of almost £50,000 – this would add up to approximately £2.6 million a year. And at around 4pm on Wednesday, October 14, demand on the network was as much as six per cent lower than usual.
In terms of CO2 saved, the week’s saving amounted to 195 tonnes - the equivalent in volume of 195 hot air balloons or 1,170 double decker buses.
Leicester City Council saw a nearly 2% reduction across its buildings, which includes libraries, leisure centres and offices, saving nearly three tonnes of carbon dioxide - the equivalent to a return flight to Australia.
City libraries experienced an overall reduction of 6.16% and city leisure centres 3.4%. If the leisure centres kept this up for a year, the energy saved would be enough to power 15 average households for 12 months.
Although this year’s Big Switch Off has now taken place, there are families and community groups who are taking part in year-long challenges to see who can save the most energy.
Need more information?
Call us on 0116 252 6741 or visit leics.gov.uk/bigswitchoff*.
*Leicester City Council is not responsible for the content and service on external websites.
