Earth Hour results in 350 MW power saving

South Africans who switched off their electricity between 8.30pm and 9.30pm on Saturday, 26 March, saved 350MW of power. In 2010, Eskom measured an estimated electricity reduction of approximately 420MW.

Earth Hour calls on individuals, business, governments and communities to turn off their lights in support for environmentally sustainable action.

As part of its support for Earth Hour, the parastatal measured the reduction in electricity used during the hour against typical consumption for this time on an average Saturday evening.

"We encourage every South African to "Lift a finger" - which is all it takes to switch off a light when it is not in use. Reducing electricity wastage can have a dramatic impact on electricity consumption. If you are not using it, switch it off," Eskom chief executive Brian Dames said.

Earlier this month, Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe launched the 49M campaign. The campaign aims to mobilise South Africans to save electricity in order to save power, the environment, as well as their money.