Earth Hour may be losing steam in Barrie and across Simcoe County.
The city powered down by 5.4 percent Saturday night, slightly less than the 6 percent reduction in power recorded during Earth Hour last year.
Movie theatres at the Galaxy Cinemas Barrie were busy Saturday night
"Earth Hour? Is that tonight?" asked Alex Duncan. "I had no idea. The movie was running right through it I think, but most of my lights were off at home, so I guess I did my part."
"At least the neighbours would think I was doing my part."
Sylvie Lafontaine was at the movie with her three children and she says its time for a new event to celebrate the environment, since Earth Hour has lost its appeal.
"I remember when it first started, we had a street party and all the neighbours hung around outside having a drink and it was a great time. The kids played outside in the dark and I think it meant something to be doing that.
"You don't hear of anyone doing something special anymore for Earth Hour."
System-wide, PowerStream reports that electricity consumption between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday dropped by an average of 4.2 percent in the nine municipalities which received hydro from the utility company.
That compares to a six percent drop system-wide last year.
“Earth Hour is a symbolic and meaningful event for residents to demonstrate their support to help fight climate change and shed light on how we can all make a difference by reducing our electricity consumption,” said Maurizio Bevilacqua, PowerStream Board Chair and City of Vaughan Mayor. “We are pleased with our customers’ response as participants in this global event.”
This year's results represented a total savings of 43.0 megawatts (MW) in peak demand, or enough electricity to power 1,303 average-size homes over a 24-hour period.
Locally, Essa Township was once again the winning municipality when it comes to reductions with 16.9 percent. That, however was not as good as last year when Essa Township residents registered a 20.6 percent reduction during the hour.
Bradford's electricity consumption was down by 7.8% in 2016 and 6.8% in 2015. Penetanguishene was down 4.3% this year and 3.5% in 2015. New Tecumseth was down 5.3% this year and 7.7% in 2015.
The next Earth Hour is set for Saturday, March 25, 2017.
