Sydney blackout campaign cut energy use by 10%

ORGANISERS behind a campaign that saw Sydney impose a one-hour blackout to focus attention on global warming hailed it as a success for taking the equivalent of nearly 50,000 cars off the road.

Energy Australia said the event — which saw the lights switched off on the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House and in 65,000 homes and 2,000 businesses — had cut normal energy use by an estimated 10.2%.

Sydney switched off at 7.30pm on Saturday (9.30am Irish time) as residents and firms joined Earth Hour to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.