China
China promotes energy-saving with blackouts
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Source: CCTV.com | 09-25-2007 09:09
Special Report: 17th CPC National Congress |
Eight cities around the country have joined in on a nationwide energy-saving campaign. On Sunday night, the busiest commercial districts in these cities switched off their lights for half an hour.
Normally brilliantly illumined at night, the commercial zones in eight major cities experienced thirty minutes of blackout.
"Though this is only a half-hour experience, I think it sends an important message, which is we should value and save energy."said a city resident.
Although street lights and indoor lights were not turned off for people's safety and convenience, some local residents decided to switch off their own lights anyway. They wanted to find out what would happen when there's no energy.
Considering the huge amount of energy required to run the nation's booming economy, conservation has become a more necessary practice than ever.
Zhao Lei, Vice Director of Beijing Electric Power Corp.,said, "During the 30-minute blackout, a total of 1,500 kilowatts of electricity was saved along this section of Wangfujin Street."
Authorities say the brief blackout was an exemplary move. Concrete measures will be introduced later, such as using more energy-efficient bulbs, to conserve more of the nation's energy.
Editor:Zhang Ning
