ST. JOHN'S - A new campaign launched today is asking Canadians to "Change a light, change your world" as a way of meeting their commitment to the Government of Canada's One-Tonne Challenge. The Honourable R. John Efford, Minister of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), launched the month-long "Switch and Save" compact fluorescent lamps campaign, joined by Robert Pike, Manager, Corporate Communications & Customer Service from Newfoundland Power, Carl Scott, District Manager, Kent and Laura Fuller, Manager of Communications, for OSRAM SYLVANIA. The campaign, which runs from September 25 to October 26, 2004, promotes ENERGY STAR ® -qualified compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). "This campaign proves that simple changes in our everyday lives can add up to substantial savings - both in costs and in energy," said Minister Efford. "Concerted efforts like this will help us meet our climate change objectives and the One-Tonne Challenge goal of reducing Canadians' individual greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent." NRCan's Office of Energy Efficiency is spearheading a collaborative group of Canadian organizations, which is the latest in a series of public/private sector initiatives by the Government of Canada to promote energy efficiency. During the campaign, many electric utilities across Canada will be promoting the benefits of compact fluorescents, and manufacturers and retailers will put on special promotions and provide point-of-sale displays and product demonstrations, some of them featuring NRCan's "Switch" mascot. The goal of the campaign is to convince every household in Canada to replace at least two incandescent light bulbs with ENERGY STAR-qualified CFLs. Even if only one incandescent bulb per household were replaced, Canadians could save more than $73 million in energy costs each year. That would reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by close to 397,000 tonnes - the equivalent of taking 66,000 cars off the road. "Consumers want products that provide value. When you combine the value of energy- efficient lighting with the reduced impact on the environment, you have a win-win situation," said Laura Fuller, of OSRAM SYLVANIA LTD. "The Switch and Save program from NRCan offers a platform on which to educate the public about the combined value of saving energy and protecting the environment. OSRAM SYLVANIA LTD. is proud to be associated with this initiative." "We are delighted to support the Switch and Save campaign, as it complements the efforts Newfoundland Power and other utilities across Canada are already making in the area of energy efficiency to help electrical consumers get the most out of their energy dollar," says Karl Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer, Newfoundland Power Inc. "We believe that saving energy makes sense. Something as easy and practical as changing a light bulb can have a very positive impact, from both a cost-saving perspective for consumers and an environmental perspective." ENERGY STAR-qualified CFLs can last up to 10 times longer and use up to 75 percent less energy than comparable incandescent bulbs. Modern CFLs are now available in a wide range of sizes, colours, styles, wattages and brightnesses for indoor and outdoor use. The collaborative group of stakeholders includes industry leaders such as GE Lighting, Panasonic, OSRAM SYLVANIA and Phillips Lighting, and Gen2 Lighting. Major retailers involved include Kent Building Supplies, Canadian Tire, Costco, Home Depot, Home Hardware, HomeWorks, Loblaws, Réno-Dépot and Rona. This initiative is also supported by major electrical utilities throughout the country, provincial energy authorities and organizations such as the New Brunswick Lung Association. ENERGY STAR is the international symbol for energy efficiency. The symbol identifies products that use less energy, thereby helping Canadians save money and protect the environment. The Government of Canada's approach to climate change is focused on making the right choices for Canada. This will ensure that the actions taken contribute to the long-term goals of building a sustainable economy for the 21st century, a healthier environment and strong communities, while affirming Canada's place in the world. More information on the Switch and Save campaign can be found on the ENERGY STAR Web site at http://www.energystar.gc.ca/. For more information, media may contact: Tom Ormsby Ghyslain Charron Office of the Minister Media Relations Natural Resources Canada Natural Resources Canada Ottawa Ottawa (613) 996-2007 (613) 992-4447 Michele Coughlan Director of Corporate Communications Newfoundland Power Inc. St. John's (709) 737-2821
