Read this and shut off your computer

Today is the Count Me In! energy challenge and Hamilton and Horizon Utilities is out to win by reducing energy consumption the most of participating municipalities. Burlington is also vying to see how low energy use can go.

While you’re at it, kick your air conditioner thermostat up to 26. That will help a lot.

The challenge – measuring how much a community can reduce its energy through conservation – commemorates the great power blackout Aug. 14, 2003, when drooping power lines in Ohio touched wet trees below them and kicked of a massive blackout across most of eastern North America.

Today communities are competing for the highest percentage drop in electricity consumption between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. and the highest per capital pledges on the Count Me In! website at www.countmeinontario.ca.

Go to the site now and promise to keep the lights low. That will give you a chance to win one of three grand prizes and are eligible for daily prizes from now until Challenge Day.

“The Count Me In! website contains a list of 100 ways to save energy,” Max Cananzi, President and CEO of Horizon Utilities Corporation says in a statement..

“Let’s all work together to show other communities how energy conscious we can be in Hamilton and St. Catharines.”