Hanoi saved 241,000 kWh of electricity, worth around 400 million VND(18,800 USD) thanks to citizens turning off unnecessary lights andelectrical equipment from 8.30-9.30pm on March 22, for the 2015 EarthHour campaign.

Addressing a ceremony inHanoi before the switch-off, Vice Chairman of the municipal People’sCommittee, Nguyen Ngoc Tuan, said the city was committed to launchingthe campaign across its districts and towns.

The aimof Earth Hour is to raise public awareness about using energyefficiently and economically and to get people thinking about climatechange.

According to Minister of Industry and TradeVu Huy Hoang all provinces and cities throughout the country arefollowing the example of Earth Hour by saving energy where possible.

Hoang called on families, businesses and individuals to save power, reducing the impacts of climate change.

The campaign encourages people to continue their energy awareness onevery day of the year, Hoang said, adding that his agency will do itspart to lead by example.

As part of this year’sEarth Hour campaign, themed “Saving Energy – Fighting Climate Change”,the Electricity of Vietnam (EVN) provider launched an energy-savingmonth in the capital and inaugurated a new, environmentally-friendlyclassroom at the Hanoi -Amsterdam High School on March 16.

The campaign has also seen 1,000 people joining a “ride for the environment” programme along the city’s streets.

In 2014, Hanoi saved 234,000 kWh of electricity following a similar publicity drive.-VNA