Help save energy in the sixth annual Power Smart Energy Saving Contest, organised by Friends of the Earth. This year, they want Hongkongers to save 100 million kWh of electricity from May 6 to September 2.
The green group estimates that if all the city's households participate during the 120 days, they will only have to cut back 17 kWh of electricity each. That means switching off a 1,000-watt air conditioner for 17 hours in the period.
'[This] is not just a contest - it's a way for the public to practise saving energy,' says Edwin Lau Che-feng, director of Friends of the Earth Hong Kong. 'It's not just about what we use - oil, coal, nuclear power and renewable energy - actually saving power is the most direct and cost-effective way to fight climate change and improve air quality.'
There are three categories in the competition - household, company and property management. Schools can also join in (as companies), and any group that can reduce its energy consumption by 2 per cent from a year ago can also take part.
A total of HK$110,000 in cash prizes and 30 Octopus cards worth HK$800 are up for grabs. Friends of the Earth invites all students to get their families and schools involved in the competition.
