COLUMBIA, MO (March 29, 2011) -

Columbia residents were encouraged to turn off lights and reduce energy consumption last Saturday night during the annual Earth Hour event. Columbia Water & Light estimates that the electric load from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. on March 26, 2011 resulted in a 2.5 megawatt drop in Columbia’s electric load. The global event is held each year to raise awareness about saving energy and avoiding greenhouse gas emissions.

The electric load for the last three years during this time period was evaluated by Columbia Water & Light staff. Temperature was also considered in making the estimate for this year’s electric load reduction during Earth Hour. The 2.5 megawatts of electricity is equivalent to the amount of power used by 98 homes in Columbia in an average day. In 2010, Columbia’s electric load dropped 1.58 megawatts during Earth Hour. In 2009 there was a reduction of 1.27 megawatts and in 2008 there were 1.72 megawatts shed.