Premier Gordon Campbell is calling on British Columbians to join people around the globe in conserving energy and fighting climate change by switching off the lights for one hour today.

Today, Saturday, March 29, from 8- 9 p.m., residents, businesses, and other organizations across the province will turn off their lights and other electricity-consuming devices for Earth Hour.

"Participating in Earth Hour is an opportunity for British Columbians to think about our own electricity use, and about ways we can each cut back on energy consumption and save money and the environment," said Campbell. "Switching off for 60 minutes may not seem like much. But if every British Columbian turned off four lights for one hour, it would save enough electricity to wash approximately four million dishwasher loads."

The Province will also participate in Earth Hour, with all government buildings – including the B.C. Legislature – turning off all non-essential lights, and public service employees are being encouraged to limit their energy consumption at home as government works toward the goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2010.

"I urge all British Columbians to switch off for Earth Hour today, and also to consider how you can make energy-conservation a part of your life all day, every day," said Campbell. "We all have a role to play in combating climate change and safeguarding our environment."

For more information on Earth Hour and for ideas on how to reduce your energy use and save money, visit www.bchydro.com.