File photo. (CBC).
BC Hydro says for the first time in a decade, they have seen an increase in electricity use across the province during Earth Hour.
Officials noticed a 0.2 percent increase in electricity use Saturday night across B.C.
The annual worldwide event has individuals, communities and businesses to turn off non-essential electric lights — to encourage action for the planet and nature.
Lower Mainland power use increased by 0.5 per cent during the event, while Vancouver Island power use increased by 0.6 per cent.
The Southern and Northern interior were the only places that had no increase.
BC Hydro added that in their report entitled “Lights out: Why Earth Hour is dimming in B.C.” found that seven in 10 British Columbians intended to participate in Earth Hour, but the trend of declining participation has continued for a fifth year.
The event ran Saturday night from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Julian Kolsut
