Earth Hour electricity savings reached 132.11 megawatts - DOE

Electricity savings from last Saturday’s Earth Hour increased by 110.73 percent to 132.11 megawatts (MW) from last year’s savings of 62.69 MW, according to the Department of Energy (DOE).

- PATRICK MIGUEL

Electricity savings were recorded at 73.86 MW from Luzon, 53.30 MW from the Visayas and 4.95 MW from Mindanao, after participants switched off nonessential lights and appliances on Earth Hour from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

“This only demonstrates our people’s dedication to safeguarding our planet. By coming together for this symbolic gesture, we send a powerful message of unity and commitment to sustainable practices,” Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said.

Aside from households, government agencies, cities and private businesses pledged participation in the event.

However, Lotilla said the practice of energy conservation should “go beyond the Earth Hour” in March.