Documentary Helps Plano Residents Lower Energy Bills

April 2, 2007

 

A new documentary film designed to help consumers cut their energy bills and improve the quality of the environment is touring the United States as many Americans face record-high energy bills. The film illustrates practical solutions that help homeowners save more than $600 per year on energy bills while helping the environment and protecting human health.

The public is invited to view “Kilowatt Ours: A Plan to Re-Energize America” during a special screening at the Cox Building Playhouse, Historic Downtown Plano.  This acclaimed film advocates energy conservation methods and clean, renewable power sources available as alternatives to the high costs of energy. 

When:  7:15 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, April 13 and 14, 20 and 21, and 27 and 28

Where: Cox Building Playhouse, 1517 H Ave., Historic Downtown Plano   

“Kilowatt Ours” is part of a concert/film series presented by the City of Plano Creative Arts Office and Department of Sustainability/Environmental Services.  It precedes each of the 8:00pm concerts/film, slated for the above dates.  For concert/film admission costs and information on performers see www.planostages.com.  Tickets may also be purchased at the door.

 “Kilowatt Ours” is the story of filmmaker and conservationist Jeff Barrie's 18-month journey across the southeastern U.S. to document our energy-related problems and present practical, cost-saving solutions for consumers.  Widespread problems revealed in “Kilowatt Ours” include mountaintop removal, air pollution, global warming, childhood asthma and mercury contamination.
 
“I hope this film sparks an energy conservation movement across America, while boosting demand for clean renewable power sources,” says filmmaker Jeff Barrie.  “Many people are unaware that we’re still burning coal to generate most of our electricity in America, creating serious consequences to the environment and human health.  The need for conservation is urgent,” says Barrie.

According to the Department of Energy, the average American home consumes more than 900 kilowatt-hours of electricity each month.  More than 50% of our nation’s electricity is generated in coal-fired power plants, amounting to nearly 6 tons of coal burned to generate electricity for the typical American home each year.  By using products marked with EPA’s Energy Star label, purchasing power generated from renewable resources, more effectively insulating our homes, and utilizing natural energy sources like sunlight, wind, and geothermal power, consumers can reduce the impact of their energy usage, while saving money.

For more information visit www.livegreeninplano.com.