PEOPLE are being urged to save energy during Switch It Off week 2009.

The initiative is due to run from Monday, November 9, to Friday, November 13, and will culminate in the Big Switch Off from 4.30pm to 6.30pm on the Friday, when energy consumption levels will be measured across the county.

Worcestershire County Council wants as many people as possible to cut their consumption by switching off appliances and lights during Friday’s special event so the area shows a big drop in levels of energy use.

It is also encouraging people to continue switching off after the special week, so that the county’s energy consumption is lower all-year round and household bills will be lower, too.

Councillor Anthony Blagg, the county council’s cabinet member for waste and sustainability, said: “There are lots of ways that people can take part in Switch It Off week.

“If appliances aren’t being used, just switch them off at the plug instead of using standby.

“Make the most of natural daylight before switching your lights on. Take part in the Big Switch Off on Friday, November 13, and encourage your family and friends to do so.

“I hope to see as many people as possible getting switched on to Switch It Off week and finding out how much energy Worc-estershire can save.”

During the two hours of last year’s energy-saving event Worcestershire people saved enough energy to power more than 1,500 three-bedroom homes for a year.

If energy consumption stayed at those levels for 12 months, it would save enough energy to power 528,000 homes for a whole year.

Some Worcestershire restaurants are taking part in Dine By Candlelight during Switch It Off week when they will be replacing electric lights with candles for a few special evenings.

A schools’ poetry competition is also helping to get the energy reduction message across with pupils preparing verses on the theme of climate change.

Meanwhile, environmentally conscious students are aiming to combat climate change in a new eco-competition at the University of Worcester.

The Student Switch-Off competition is encouraging young people to be more aware of their environmental impact and find ways of reducing energy use.

Halls of residence will compete against each other to see who is the most energy-efficient.

Reduction in electricity usage will be measured in each building with the winning halls receiving various prizes including a year’s supply of ice cream.

For more information about the Switch It Off campiagn visit worcestershire.gov.uk/green.