Lunenburg, Mahone Bay Launch Energy Savings Challenge

The Town of Lunenburg and the Town of Mahone Bay are going bulb-to-bulb in an energy savings challenge.

During June, both communities are encouraging residents to save energy with a compact fluorescent light bulb swap program funded by Conserve Nova Scotia.

"This challenge is a great way to create some friendly competition between the two communities while benefiting the environment," said Bill Dooks, Minister responsible for Conserve Nova Scotia. "This initiative will help residents discover different ways to save energy and create healthier communities."

Each community has created a program to encourage residents to save energy. In Mahone Bay, the local Lions Club will work with the Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation to distribute energy-saving kits with four compact fluorescent lights, water-conservation materials, and energy-saving information from Conserve Nova Scotia. Representatives from the Lions Club will go door-to-door to collect four incandescent lights in exchange for the energy kits. Residents who are not at home during the visit can pick up a kit at the town hall.

"At a time when the focus of all levels of government is on the environment, this project is an attempt to take a small but important step to reduce our energy consumption," said Mahone Bay Mayor Joe Feeney. "It is our hope that our citizens will use this opportunity to evaluate their energy requirements and consider changes to further reduce their demands."

In Lunenburg, residents will receive compact fluorescent lights in exchange for four incandescent lights when they go to town hall to pay electricity bills. Residents will also receive energy-saving information from Conserve Nova Scotia.

"I believe that our citizens want to take action to reduce energy waste and help improve the environment," said Lunenburg Mayor Laurence Mawhinney. "I think that they are looking for positive action and this friendly competition offers them the opportunity to get involved. We hope it will be another step along the road to conservation.

"The journey may be long, but it can only be achieved if we take it one step at a time."

Residents will receive a direct-mail flyer about the campaign.

Lunenburg and Mahone Bay have municipal electric utilities. The challenge winner will be the town with the most energy savings, per capita, in June, as compaired with the same month last year. Results will be announced in July.

The competition is part of the Shared Atlantic Vision for Energy Efficiency (SAVE), a joint initiative of the Council of Atlantic Premiers. During the four-province campaign, 97,000 compact fluorescent light bulbs will be distributed. By September, Nova Scotia will have distributed 45,000 bulbs through municipal electrical utilities, regional development authorities and community not-for-profit groups. Campaigns have been announced in Canso, Kentville, Pictou County, Berwick, and the Strait-Highlands Region. For a complete list of current and past lighting initiatives, visit www.conservens.ca/lightingprograms