It is better to light one candle than curse the darkness. This ancient Chinese proverb has particular relevance as we mark the third anniversary of when Canada’s most populous province found itself in the dark on August 14, 2003. 

Following the chaos of the blackout, many behaviours changed. In the aftermath, retailers and landlords reacted responsibly to the pleas from government and energy providers to lower thermostats and turn off lights. Citizens did their part and fortunately the power stayed on. Regrettably, the public imperative of conservation has somewhat flickered.

Subsequent summers have seen the demand for power increase in tandem with sweltering temperatures. The prospect for brownouts and rolling blackouts still loom as demands for power hovers near the capacity of the grid. There is a positive aspect, one not driven by a generator but rather energized by people. I’m referring to the not-for-profit organizations in the environmental sector, driven by volunteers and professionals who are passionate about nurturing a Canadian culture of conservation. Their stories are legion and quite remarkable.

Community groups are working to raise awareness and encourage change. They are using relatively low cost methods to engage retailers, schools and community organizations, business associations and others to support conservation efforts. They are conducting public education campaigns and working on initiatives that support the use of alternative, sustainable or green energy sources. 
Supporters of Ontario’s not-for-profit environmental sector, such as the Foundation that I represent, are familiar with the important work of these groups.  I’d like to share a few of their success stories.
How many engineers and economists does it take to turn off a light bulb? Apparently none. In Shelburne, Ontario last year and Orangeville this year, students are going door-to-door, conversing with and educating residents about energy conservation. Reduce the Juice, a youth-led organization, made a difference in a few short months with two university students and a handful of high school volunteers. Thanks to their efforts, last summer Shelburne reduced its electricity use by 5 per cent. This year in the larger community of Orangeville, three university students and twelve high school students are making their way door to door and participating in community events to showcase their mission.

And on these hot summer days, they’re literally whetting appetites for conservation with a solar powered sno-cone machine. Reduce the Juice also has a “portable” project, a car trailer encased in solar panels and fitted with a wind turbine. The student volunteers take it to community events where it can generate 1300 watts of power. 
Elsewhere, the Conservation Council of Ontario is encouraging citizens to close up and lighten up. We Conserve, a relatively new initiative in support of a broad-based conservation movement in Ontario, engages and encourages retailers, community groups and associations to promote programs such as Doors Closed Ontario, piloted last year and continuing in 2006, and Lighten Up, Ontario! a new campaign that’s just getting underway.

Doors Closed Ontario responds to the wasteful practice of running an air conditioner at full blast while keeping the front door of a retail operation open. The challenge was to design a campaign that rewarded good behaviour while pointing out wasteful ways. We Conserve produced a poster for stores that were doing the right thing, and asked groups and volunteers to help distribute the posters. The response was incredible. Within two days, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, the Ontario Restaurant Hotel and Motel Association, and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario offered their support and all three included information about Doors Closed in an e-newsletter to members. 
 
The Conservation Council estimates that the pilot campaign saved 5 to 7 megawatts of power as stores responded by closing the doors to their air-conditioned business. This year, with an earlier start to the campaign, they anticipate even greater results.
 
Lighten Up, Ontario! asks us to use less electricity this year than last. Development funding for Lighten Up came from a share of public donations made to the community coin boxes in every Beer Store in Ontario. This summer, 441 Beer Stores across the province are promoting conservation with in-store posters and pledge cards. The pledge cards offer tips on how to buy the best light bulb, and asks us to make six lifestyle changes to reduce energy usage.

The Ontario Sustainable Energy Association (OSEA) is the force behind the increasing number of Ontarians interested in green power alternatives. OSEA relentlessly works at making community green power initiatives a widely acceptable option for meeting Ontario’s energy needs. The organization takes a holistic approach to Ontario’s community power sector by supporting and providing education, capacity building and training. It has provided nearly 100 workshops and presentations, reaching over 6,300 participants across Ontario. 

There are many more stories to tell. While governments and industry continue to provide leadership, community groups and not-for-profit organizations in the environmental sector are clearly vital partners in any energy conservation strategy.

They are uniquely suited for that role by virtue of their passion, their volunteer engagement and their community building skills. 

As the three-year anniversary of the power outage approaches, perhaps it’s time for a self-audit of our personal commitment to conservation. Each of us possesses the most precious renewable source of energy: our commitment. Not-for-profit organizations need people power: there are never enough people to build community partners and engage and educate neighbours, students and colleagues.
 
On August 14, 2003, no doubt many Ontarians lit candles and cursed the dark, as food in their fridges spoiled, shopkeepers saw their profits literally melt away and drivers couldn’t fill up their tanks at any price. On August 14, 2006, when the lights stay on, give thanks to all the community groups and volunteers who are helping to build our culture of conservation.

L. Robin Cardozo is the Chief Executive Officer of The Ontario Trillium Foundation.  An agency of the Government of Ontario, the Foundation is a significant supporter of Ontario’s not-for-profit environmental sector.