Norman Plans 1-Hour 'Unplug' to Conserve Energy

By Jacqueline Sit, NEWS 9

NORMAN, Oklahoma -- Oklahomans are monitoring their spending any way they can, including cutting back on electric bills.

When hOUR Norman happened last year, there was a four percent reduction in electric use.

What started in Sydney has shed some light on the world.

In 2008, Earth Hour went global and for the second year, the folks in Norman are pushing the message called hOUR Norman as part of a worldwide effort to conserve energy.

"Who doesn't want to save money and figure out ways to curve their energy costs?" Joshua Maxey said. "It's just better for everyone in the long run, I think."

From work or home, residents are encouraged to unplug unused appliances and switch the power off for one hour.

More businesses are becoming part of the global movement, and car dealerships like Marc Heitz Chevrolet also plans to turn off their lot lights.

"We're going to umplug all of our electrical equipment, printers, faxes, copiers," said Ben Hayes of Marc Heitz Chevrolet. "The things that stay on all day, every day that you really don't pay attention to."

Popular hangouts around town are joining in on the hOUR.

The Blu Restaurant's menu will be going green and glowing with candle lights for the night.

"Hopefully, it gets people to think about the simple things they can do at home to conserve energy and cut down on that carbon footprint that we've all been steadily increasing," Blu Restaurant owner Tom Houser said.

Earth Hour is scheduled for March 28 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and hOUR Norman will take place March 29, 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.