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How Low Can We Go T.O.?

    Toronto Hydro-Electric System launches online contest for Earth Hour

    TORONTO, March 20 /CNW/ - Is it seven, 10 or 15 per cent? How much will
Toronto's electricity demand drop during Earth Hour 2009? You tell us! Toronto
Hydro-Electric System Limited (Toronto Hydro) is calling on Torontonians to
raise the bar and lower electricity demand in the city. To increase
participation in this year's Earth Hour, Toronto Hydro is launching an online
contest asking Torontonians How Low Can We Go T.O.?
    Toronto Hydro is inviting Torontonians to place their votes on
www.howlowcanwegoto.ca. If they guess the correct range of electricity drop,
they're automatically entered in a draw to win one of 10 Earth Hour prize
packs.
    The prize pack includes one solar powered backpack capable of charging
small electronic devices, one crank handle flashlight and solar powered clock
as well as other Earth Hour inspired items.
    Last year during Earth Hour, Toronto dropped its electricity demand by
8.7 per cent - that's the equivalent of taking 262 megawatts off the grid, or
approximately 5.8 million light bulbs!
    "Earth Hour is an important initiative to remind Torontonians about the
importance of conserving electricity," says David O'Brien, President and Chief
Executive Officer, Toronto Hydro Corporation. "The simple act of turning off
the lights can make an incredible impact on the electricity grid and the
environment. We're encouraging everyone to participate and this contest is a
fun way to get involved."
    Participants are encouraged to use battery-powered laptops during Earth
Hour to follow the drop in the city's electricity usage as it happens live, at
www.torontohydro.com/electricsystem. After the official numbers have been
verified, the lucky contest winners will be drawn and the correct range in
electricity drop will be posted on the web.
    This year, we want to lower the demand even further, and we need your
help. Log on and have your say - then don't forget to turn your lights off on
March 28!

    About Earth Hour

    Earth Hour is the "lights out" initiative which began in Australia in
2007 as a one-city environmental campaign. In 2008, 50 million people across
35 countries turned off their lights in support of Earth Hour, sending a
message around the globe that the collective actions of individuals really can
trigger change. For more information about Earth Hour, please visit
www.earthhourcanada.org.

    Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited

    Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited is the regulated "wires" affiliate
and is one of the largest municipal electric distribution utilities in Canada,
delivering electricity to a broadly diversified, economically robust,
residential, commercial and industrial customer base in the City of Toronto.
The utility serves more than 684,000 customers.

    NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Contest open to residents of the City of Toronto,
at least 18 years of age. Chances of winning depend on the number of eligible
entries received by 9:30 p.m. March 28, 2009. Winning entrants are required to
correctly answer a mathematical skill-testing question. Limit one prize per
person or household. Other terms and conditions may apply. Contest runs
between 9:30 a.m. Friday, March 20, 2009 through to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, March
28, 2009.