Remember the blackout in the summer of 2003? It could happen again if we use too much electricity at the same time.

Many shops and businesses have their air-conditioning units running full-blast in the summer. Some of these establishments also keep their doors open to indicate that they are open for business and to entice customers to come in and enjoy the cool air.

Click for a larger image. (PDF 326 Kb)

What's the problem with cooling the street?

• The practice is wasteful.
• It increases the demand for electricity when it is already at its peak.
• The high demand for electricity also increases the likelihood of blackouts.
• The increased production of energy to meet the demand increases the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gas emissions that lead to climate change.

What can you do?

As a customer of these shops and businesses, you can help put an end to the practice of keeping doors open when air-conditioners are on by supporting stores that keep their doors closed and asking those with open doors to close them.

Help prevent another blackout this summer by being an energy-wise shopper. Shop at stores that close the door on energy waste.

The Clean Air Foundation and Weconserve have created programs dedicated to encouraging stores to keep their doors closed and air conditioning inside. Visit their sites for more information on their programs.

Clean Air Foundation's Cool Shops
Doors Closed by Weconserve