Power to the People

702 Presenter Jenny Crwys-Williams

Electricity cuts and threats of global warming are a daily occurrence in Gauteng. In a bid to help save energy and protect the environment Talk Radio 702 presenter Jenny Crwys-Williams has launched a campaign aptly named 'Power to the People'.

The campaign is aimed at businesses in Gauteng and challenges them to switch off unnecessary lights and other electrical equipment when no-one is occupying the buildings.

Businesses and residents are urged to show their support for this campaign by switching off lights and non-essential equipment for one hour on Thursday, 23 August, at 9pm.

"The idea to launch a campaign like this came about when I saw just how much wasted energy is used by unoccupied buildings – it's a travesty for the environment," said Jenny Crwys-Williams.

"By getting as many businesses as possible to join in the switch off it will show that energy conservation is child's play for everyone. I'm hoping the event will also gain support from Gauteng residents and hope they'll join in."

Businesses pledging their support and action include Nedbank, Primedia Broadcasting, Sandton Medi-Clinic, FirstRand, Absa, Cinemark, Growth Point Properties, Investec, Mail & Guardian, Rand Merchant Bank, Discovery, Netcare 911, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, The National Energy Efficiency Agency (NEEA), Eskom, and many others.

"This is a powerful statement from Talk Radio 702, and is to be applauded," said Barry Bredenkamp, the Operations Manager of the NEEA, which promotes and advises on energy conservation.

"Gauteng is Johannesburg's premier business hub and is the largest energy consuming region in the country. If the area's businesses and residents can prove how easy it is to save energy, the rest of the country can and should follow suit."

Eskom has also voiced their support, as well as 567 CapeTalk in Cape Town, who has called on Capetonians to join in the big switch off.

The general rule of thumb is: if you're not using it, switch it off. So whether you're a big corporation or you own a small business, we need everyone to play their part. Get your company involved and take a step towards saving the planet!

Jenny Crwys-Williams will be live in studio during Tom London's show (Talk Radio 702 and 567 CapeTalk) on Thursday evening between 9pm and 10pm to discuss this initiative as well as take calls from listeners and provide energy saving tips.

For more information visit www.702.co.za, and sign up today.

Ends For more information and interview opportunities, contact Jennifer Heslop and Sam Dansie on 011 807 7559, or via This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .

Notes:

The NEEA was formed from a directive from the Department of Minerals and Energy in 2006.

It was created as part of a broader strategy to reduce overall energy demand by 12 per cent by 2015.

The NEEA is a division within the Central Energy Fund – an organization set up to find the energy solutions that will meet the future needs of South Africa's growing economy.

The overarching objectives of the NEEA are

 The prioritisation and recommendation of energy efficiency and DSM projects to be undertaken in the country.

 Identification and development of key strategies, to address the growing demand for energy in the country, including gas, electricity, liquid petroleum, etc.

 Stimulate areas neglected in terms of energy efficiency in the past, such as the transport sector.

 Develop and implement comprehensive annual 'Energy Efficiency and DSM' awareness campaigns, to assist the general public in making wise choices when purchasing energy-consuming equipment and appliances.

 Oversee the integration and co-ordination of training in energy efficiency currently undertaken by various stakeholders in the country. The Agency will also facilitate skills transfer, capacity building and the creation of additional jobs in the field of energy conservation.

 Oversee the integration and co-ordination of training in energy efficiency currently undertaken by various stakeholders in the country. The Agency will also facilitate skills transfer, capacity building and the creation of additional jobs in the field of energy conservation

 Co-operate with persons, associations and institutions undertaking energy efficiency programmes in other countries, to ensure that international 'best practices' are adopted and applied in South Africa.