OREANDA-NEWS. March 25, 2011. HK Electric, a subsidiary of Power Assets Holdings Ltd, launched a smart phone application (App) offering a trendy and easy way for users to learn about low carbon lifestyle anywhere, anytime, reported the press-centre of HK Electric.

The App allows users to enjoy interesting, yet useful, low carbon tips and information ranging from low carbon recipes provided by the Home Management Centre to tailor-made action plans of specific groups, including students and housewives, aimed at reducing carbon emissions, said Managing Director of HK Electric, Mr. Tso Kai-sum.

HK Electric customers can through the App register for e-bills and receive a one-off USD30 tariff rebate, or donate the amount to designated green groups in Hong Kong. Successful applicants are eligible for a lucky draw during the promotion period ending 31 July.

Customers switching to e-bills can each help reduce carbon dioxide emission by about 620 grams a year. At present, 27,000 customers have registered for e-bills and ceased receiving monthly electricity bills, which decreased 16.7 tonnes of carbon dioxide emission -- equivalent to conserving about 730 trees a year.

The new App is one of the initiatives in this year's Smart Power Campaign, which calls for community action to combat climate change by reducing carbon footprint in daily life. A series of activities is being planned throughout the year for students and the public encouraging them to adopt small changes in life to create a greener world.

Officiating at the launching ceremony today, President of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), Professor Tony F Chan, said students should learn to conserve energy and love the environment the earlier the better.

"At HKUST, we are ready to join hands with others to work for a better environment. The university has been undertaking a number of related research projects. It has also introduced various green initiatives including energy-saving measures and incorporating high environmental standards in campus buildings," said Prof. Chan.

At HK Electric, Mr. Tso said, the Company has conducted energy audits and introduced carbon reduction measures at its headquarters building, reducing the building’s carbon footprint by 13% over the past three years.

"We support developing a low carbon Hong Kong and have increased gas-fired generation to 33% of total electricity output. On continued wider application of renewable energy for power generation, we commissioned Hong Kong’s largest solar power system in Lamma Power Station last year."

"The system has so far generated over 410,000 units of green electricity, displacing coal-fired generation and reducing 345 tonnes of carbon dioxide emission. We plan to expand the total capacity of the system to one megawatt," Mr. Tso said, adding that the Company's offshore wind farm project is progressing and wind monitoring is expected to begin later in the year.

Following the launch of Smart Power Campaign, a short essay writing competition inviting the public to nominate their low carbon hero will be held between now till end May. For details, please visit the Campaign's webpage: www.hec.com.hk/smartpower.

Also at today's ceremony were artiste MC Jin and a group of students from Bonham Road Government Primary School who "rapped" the campaign's theme. Students from St. James' Primary School, S.K.H. Lee Shiu Keung Primary School, Gigamind English Primary School, H.K. & Kowloon Kaifong Women’s Association Sun Fong Chung College, TWGHs Wong Fung Ling College and St. Paul’s Convent School (Secondary Section) competed in a quiz that challenged their knowledge in low carbon.