Since starting in Australia in 2007, Earth Hour has grown into a global initiative in which millions of people participate.

BC Hydro spokesperson Ted Olynyk says thanks to contributions from communities across the province, in 2013 British Columbian’s saved 136 megawatt hours of electricity.

Here in the Valley, Duncan, North Cowichan and Ladysmith continually rank among the leaders on Vancouver Island in conservation of power during Earth Hour.

Earth Hour starts at 8:30 p.m. and runs until 9:30 p.m.