"Blackout London" - people power or government conspiracy?

Question

I've recently read an article that asked Londoners to "take part in the largest demonstration of People Power that London has ever seen". The demonstration asks for citizens to turn of lights in an event that could be seen from space. However, it also asks us to 'defrost our fridges', 'turn down heating' and unplug electrical appliences - why!?

I've never come accross an event like this and am trully baffled by its purpose. Sure, energy saving is big right now but why for on day? I suggest power is needed somewhere for something and this is a way of using this power without a majority noticing anything.

Other dates suggest such plan - try these links:

http://www.workface-limited.co.uk/html/powercut.html

or

http://www.carboncoach.com/comeoffit/index.html

Answer 1

It's a good idea but it's either been advertised really badly or they've set the date too close. This is the first I've heard of it, and it's supposed to take place tomorrow. I think the purpose of it is to show the government how many people care about this issue by a figure they can cite and read (i.e. the reduction in power usage) The trouble is that because it's been badly advertised then if nobody does it then the government may see it as an excuse that people DON'T care, when in fact they just haven't heard about it.

Answer 2

All this sort of nonsense sounds very honourable, BUT when it's all over and every body goes to switch everything back on at the same time, the sub-stations (local power supply transformers etc) won't be able to take the strain of such a sudden surge, and you'll REALLY have a chance to save power - simply because there won't be any - the sub-station equipment will have burnt out!!!

Answer 3

It says non-governmental organisation in there. If government wants to draw up extra power for something secretive last thing they're going to do is ask public to turn off lights and tell them its enviornmental cause and draw big attention.

Answer 4

Hey good buddy - sounds like someone left the 'pratt magnet' on - ignore them and hopefully they will go away!