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Spend an hour in the dark at the park to conserve energy

Can you imagine spending a night without lights, TV and air conditioning?

The organizers of an energy-saving campaign are inviting the public to break from the norm and enjoy a night with no lights at Taipei's Da-An Park on the longest day of the year.

The "Summer Solstice Lights-out Carnival" is being organized by the Wilderness Society and sponsored by the Taipei City Environmental Protection Department. The event next Wednesday marks the environmental group's second attempt to encourage the public to participate in energy conservation by spending an hour in the dark at the park.

While the lights in the park will be turned off from 8pm to 9pm, neon lights illuminating landmarks such as the Taipei 101 Mall and the Miramar Mall's Ferris Wheel will also be extinguished for 10-20 minutes from 8pm.

Up to us

"We don't want nuclear power plants near our homes, but we can't reduce our electricity demand. We should ask ourselves: Do we need so much electricity?" secretary-general of the organization Chang Hung-lin (張宏林) said yesterday during a press conference ahead of the carnival.

According to Chen Yung-ren (陳永仁), commissioner of the Environmental Protection Department, residences and businesses account for 66 percent of all energy consumption in the city.

Even a small drop in energy consumption, he said, could help reduce emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases.

"Everyone is responsible for the damage we do to the earth, and it's our duty to save energy for future generations. Don't underestimate the value of your efforts," he said.

Save money

Besides helping to protect the environment, participating in the summer energy consumption campaign could also help the public to control their electricity bills, which are set to increase after state-run Taiwan Power Co (Taipower) raises rates by 5.8 percent from July 1.

Helping to promote the carnival, Hsiao Jin-yi (蕭金益), director of Taipower's public service department, encouraged the public to save energy as the rate hike will not apply to users consuming less than 330 kilowatts a month.

"We are living in an age of high energy costs. Saving energy not only eases the planet's burden, but also lightens your own financial burden," he said.

According to the organization, the average household could cut a third -- or even half -- of its current energy bill by switching to energy-efficient appliances, equipment and lighting. They also suggested unplugging unused appliances.

The Summer Solstice Lights-out Carnival runs from 1pm to 9:30pm next Wednesday and includes musical performances, dances, exhibitions of various energy-saving appliances and the lights-out activity from 8pm to 9pm.

For more information, visit the event Web site at:

www.lightsoutday.org.tw
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