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NLIS 2 March 8, 2006 (Natural Resources) Atlantic energy ministers launch efficiency awareness campaign We can each make a positive difference to our energy bills and the environment. That�s the message Atlantic Canada�s energy ministers are promoting through SAVE, A Shared Atlantic Vision for Energy Efficiency, a campaign aimed at helping Atlantic Canadians cut energy consumption, power bills and greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to climate change. Atlantic Energy Ministers Forum Chair Jamie Ballem, Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry for Prince Edward Island, said SAVE is about sharing information and, hopefully, giving inspiration. "We have seen in the last few years that energy prices are influenced by many complex factors beyond our borders and beyond our control - whether it�s the growing demand for fossil fuels in India and China, or Hurricane Katrina in the United States. Atlantic Canadians cannot do anything about those factors. But each of us does have the power to reduce our energy costs by using energy wisely," said Minister Ballem. "Energy efficiency is a matter of everyday concern and it is in our hands to make a difference," said Newfoundland and Labrador Natural Resources Minister Ed Byrne. "The government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to this promotional effort and I am confident that it will help citizens explore useful ways in which to reduce their overall energy consumption and tackle rising costs." The initial phase of the SAVE campaign, which is sponsored by the Council of Atlantic Premiers with additional assistance from Efficiency NB/Efficacit� NB and Maritime Electric Company Limited, PEI�s electric utility, will see a series of energy efficiency hints promoted in radio, newspaper and cable television over the next few weeks. Later stages of the campaign will provide greater depth of information through a variety of activities involving a range of partners. New Brunswick Energy Minister Brenda Fowlie said: "We are pleased that more people are interested in energy efficiency, and we feel many are hungry for more information on best practices. So, our first step is to generate some attention, to let people know that here are some simple things you can do that really have an impact." As examples, Minister Fowlie pointed out that a low-flow showerhead typically saves a family of four $250 a year on their energy bills and that turning down your thermostat when you�re out of the house or sleeping can reduce your heating bill by up to 10 per cent. "We want to provide useful information so Atlantic Canadians understand how they can reduce energy and save money," said Nova Scotia Energy Minister Bill Dooks. "By working cooperatively with other provinces in Atlantic Canada, we can reach more people and increase the amount of energy conserved." At a 2005 meeting of the Council of Atlantic Premiers, the premiers tasked the Atlantic Energy Ministers to jointly develop and implement an energy efficiency awareness campaign which, combined with other measures in each of the provinces, would help Atlantic Canadians deal with increased energy costs. Media contact:
2006 03 08 10:30 a.m. |
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