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Is the Rise of Healthcare Cost Unsustainable?

Who Should Be Blamed For The Unsustainable Increase In Private Healthcare Cost?

Earlier this week, the Life Insurance Association (LIA) of Singapore shared some worrying trends about the cost of private healthcare in Singapore. Here are some extracts to consider. The above chart, obtained from the Ministry Of Health (MOH), shows that the median bill size for private hospitals have been increasing at a rate of about 15% per annum over the past two years. This is in contrast to public hospitals, which have seen a reasonable increase of about 2-3%.

Singapore long-term inflation rate is about 2-3% per annum. What this means is that while medical bills from public hospitals are in line with our inflation rate, the same cannot be said for bills from private hospitals.

When we look at the average bill sizes incurred by the five insurers that provide integrated shield plans, we observe a similar trend.

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How Much Do Hospitalisation Treatments In Singapore Cost?

In recent years, the rising cost of healthcare has been a major concern in Singapore. Aside from an increase in government spending on healthcare, both from an absolute amount ($7.5 billion in 2015) and as a proportion of overall GDP (2.1%), insurers have also been increasing their premiums for private integrated shield plans due to the rising and unsustainable increase in the cost of hospitalisation treatments.

Unless you are working in the finance department of a hospital, most of us do not realise just how expensive treatments in hospitals can be, until it happens to ourselves or our loved ones.

While bills for hospital treatments differ depending on where you get your treatments from (private hospitals tend to cost more), ward types and the complexities of the illness, the Ministry of Health (MOH) does keep track of the average hospital bill sizes across different types of conditions in Singapore.

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Doctors warned against overcharging, overtreating

The SMC also reminded doctors not to subject a patient to unnecessary test or procedures just because of the fees the doctor can charge, as this may be a breach of his ethical obligations. FOTO: ST FILE

Doctors in Singapore have been warned that they will face action from the body that regulates them, as well as the Ministry of Health (MOH), if they overcharge patients or put them through superfluous treatments.

This comes on the heels of recent moves to rein in ballooning healthcare costs, partly brought on by "hefty & questionable insurance claims" in which some doctors were said to have played a part.

Needless treatments & inflated medical charges were mentioned in Parliament earlier this month to explain the decision to stop further sale of full insurance riders that leave patients with nothing to pay for their treatment.

related:
Itemised bills can reduce ballooning of claims
SMC reminds doctors in wake of 'hefty and questionable insurance claims'

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MOH to probe alleged insurance fraud involving physios, doctors and others 

Some medical doctors are paid commission fees of 20% to 30% of the physiotherapy bill if they refer their patients – such as those who require rehabilitation due to injury or illness – to private physiotherapy clinics

Dodgy practices have emerged in the healthcare industry, involving doctors, physiotherapists, insurance agents & third-party administrators (TPAs) splitting money from inflated insurance claims among themselves via a referral and commission system, TODAY has learnt.

Responding to queries, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said it has received feedback on such practices, & will be looking into the matter.

“MOH takes a serious view of any attempts to defraud the healthcare system at the expense of Singaporeans,” a ministry spokesperson said. “Fraudulent behaviour such as unnecessary referrals & false claims for services not rendered raises the overall costs of healthcare in Singapore, and leads to Singaporeans paying more for their healthcare services and insurance plans.”

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DOCTORS HAVE AN IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY IN KEEPING HEALTHCARE COSTS AFFORDABLE AND SUSTAINABLE

We refer to the recent media coverage on rising healthcare costs (including medical insurance premiums) and hefty and questionable insurance claims.

The Singapore Medical Council (“SMC”) notes that to keep healthcare costs affordable and sustainable for patients, all stakeholders – healthcare professionals and providers, insurers and policyholders, employers, patients and caregivers, and the Government – have their roles and responsibilities. While the SMC acknowledges that there are various drivers of healthcare costs, many of which are beyond the control of doctors, doctors have a major role in managing healthcare costs, by advising patients on appropriate and cost-effective tests, medical procedures and treatments, and striving to keep fees fair and reasonable. In light of the recent scrutiny of healthcare insurance and unreasonable practices and fees, the SMC by way of reminder, wishes to bring to bear the ethical principles against complicity by doctors outlined in the 2016 edition of the SMC Ethical Code and Ethical Guidelines.

Where patients are covered by medical insurance that guarantee they pay little or nothing towards their medical bills, they may be less likely to contest the fees charged by the doctor. However, patients’ acquiescence to a doctor’s fees does not absolve the doctor of the responsibility of charging reasonable fees; the doctor’s ethical obligation to charge fair and reasonable fees for services rendered operates over and above contractual and market forces and is not superseded by any agreement between the doctor and his patients.

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SMC reminds doctors to help keep healthcare costs down

The SMC also reminded doctors not to subject a patient to unnecessary test or procedures. TNP FILE FOTO

The Singapore Medical Council (SMC) has sent a circular to doctors reminding them of their role in helping keep healthcare costs down.

The reminder, it said, comes in the wake of recent scrutiny of healthcare insurance and unreasonable practices & fees.

The SMC also alluded to media coverage of "hefty and questionable insurance claims".

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Doctors have ‘ethical obligation’ to charge reasonable fees: SMC in wake of insurance co-payment debate

Doctors have an important role to play in keeping healthcare costs “affordable & sustainable”, said the Singapore Medical Council (SMC) on Monday (Mar 19) in a circular to medical professionals.

It was issued in the wake of new rules announced in Parliament earlier this month, requiring patients to bear a minimum 5% co-payment for new Integrated Shield Plan riders. This means insurance companies can no longer sell full riders, which entitled policyholders to pay nothing for hospitalisation & treatment, regardless of the size of the bill.

The Health Ministry had said that the zero co-payment feature resulted in a “buffet syndrome”, leading to over-consumption & over-charging of healthcare services.

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SMC reminds doctors of ethical obligations amid concerns of ‘over-servicing’

The government body that regulates medical practitioners here on Monday (Mar 19) reminded doctors of their “ethical obligation” to charge fair & reasonable fees for services rendered. Reuters file foto

The government body that regulates medical practitioners here on Monday (Mar 19) reminded doctors of their “ethical obligation” to charge fair & reasonable fees for services rendered.

This is “over & above contractual and market forces and is not superseded by any agreement between the doctor and his patients”, the Singapore Medical Council (SMC) said in a circular put up on its website.

A doctor must always place his patient’s best interests above his personal interests & any business or financial considerations, stressed the SMC, which highlighted existing standards from the 2016 edition of its Ethical Code & Ethical Guidelines.

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Why is the Government Penalising Consumers while using Kid’s Gloves on Rogue Doctors and Insurance Firms?

At one point of time, the government was even touting the benefits of buying Integrated Shield plans with full riders so you don’t have to pay a cent if you need medical treatment. Today, it appears to have backtracked on that “don’t have to pay a cent” part and mandated that all new hospitalisation policies will have a 5 percent co-payment component, capped at S$3000.

The reason, according to the Health Ministry, is because policy-holders are indulging in “buffet syndrome” and abusing their health insurance policies by going for more expensive/more extensive treatments than they should, and hence pushing up healthcare costs. On the sidelines of that explanation, rogue doctors are getting off the hook by recommending more expensive/more extensive treatments than required (because you got insurance what, don’t need to pay a cent).

And, all 6 insurers offering rider policies are underwriting losses for 2016. So why is the government only penalising the public for this “buffet syndrome”?

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Impact of Full Riders on Healthcare Costs

22.     As highlighted in HITF’s report, the zero co-payment feature of these full riders has resulted in a “buffet syndrome”, leading to over-consumption, over-servicing and over-charging of healthcare services. In 2016, the average medical bill size for full rider policyholders was about 60% higher than the average bill size for those without riders, even though rider policyholders are younger and generally in better health.

23.     Some of the examples of over-consumption and over-servicing are – to put it plainly – disturbing:

• In one case, a full rider policyholder made claims for 12 nose scopes in a year, without clear medical need.
• We also have patients who were admitted for gastritis or piles, and then referred to many other specialities ranging from dermatology, ophthalmology, ear nose and throat, and orthopaedics, for additional scans and tests. The final bill?  Up to $25,000 for a hospital stay that was less than 24 hours!
• There was also a full rider policyholder who underwent an expensive surgery for a small breast lump removal that costs $70,000 in doctor fees alone, when there was an equally effective alternative procedure which costs only $5,000.

24.     To be fair, not all doctors prescribe such expensive treatments and not all full rider policyholders submit such large claims.  But it is clear that full riders have a detrimental impact on overall healthcare costs in Singapore.  This is a key reason why rider premiums have increased by up to 225% over the past two years.

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FULL RIDERS HAVE “DETRIMENTAL IMPACT” ON OVERALL HEALTHCARE COSTS

He stressed that MOH is not issuing these requirements to “bail out” the insurers

The zero co-payment feature of these full riders has resulted in a “buffet syndrome”, leading to over-consumption, over-servicing & over-charging of healthcare services, he said. “Our objective is to address the concerns with over-consumption, over-servicing & over-charging, as these will lead to patients & policyholders paying rapidly escalating fees and premiums over time,” he said. Mr Chee gave some of the examples of over-consumption and over-servicing, which he described as “disturbing”.

• In one case, a full rider policyholder made claims for 12 nose scopes in a year, without clear medical need, and another policyholder who underwent an expensive surgery for a small breast lump removal that cost S$70,000 in doctor fees alone, when there was an equally effective alternative procedure at S$5,000.
• There have also been patients who were admitted for gastritis or piles, and then referred to many other specialities ranging from dermatology, ophthalmology and ear nose and throat, for additional scans and tests racking up to S$25,000 for a hospital stay in less than 24 hours, he said.
• “It is clear that full riders have a detrimental impact on overall healthcare costs in Singapore.

This is a key reason why rider premiums have increased by up to 225% over the past 2 years,” he said.

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Co-payment mandated for new IP insurance riders in bid to curb 'buffet syndrome'

Speaking at the MOH’s Committee of Supply debate, he said some instances of over-consumption & over-servicing “are, to put it plainly, disturbing”.

• “In one case, a full rider policyholder made claims for 12 nose scopes in a year, without clear medical need,” he said.
• Another policyholder with a rider underwent a surgical procedure amounting to S$70,000 to remove a small lump from her breast, when there was an “equally effective” alternative which cost just S$5,000, he added.
• “To be fair, not all doctors prescribe such expensive treatments and not all full rider policyholders submit such large claims. But it is clear that full riders have a detrimental impact on overall healthcare costs in Singapore. This is a key reason why rider premiums have increased by up to 225% over the past 2 years,” he said.

Such behaviours have had an indirect effect on premiums for IP policies across the board, said Mr Chee. IP premiums have risen by up to 80% over the same period, with older policyholders and those on private hospital plans experiencing higher increases. All insurers clocked underwriting losses — between S$5.1 million to S$29.2 million — in 2016 for the first time since IP full riders were first introduced in 1994.

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WHAT CAUSES COSTS TO SPIRAL

Doctors & consumers said they have encountered or heard of unnecessary tests or treatment being rendered, as a result of insurers footing the entire hospital bill.

• An AIA full-rider policyholder, who only wanted to be known as Ms Xie, felt the MRI and CT scans ordered, after she suffered bruises from a car accident 2 years ago, were warranted.
• But she was also advised to see an orthopaedic surgeon, do a general health screening and have a session to check for psychological trauma. Each session cost about S$100.
• Ms Xie, 27, did not question the doctors’ advice at the time “because they are healthcare professionals”. But on hindsight, the sessions may have been unnecessary, she said.
• A doctor who declined to be named said he has observed a case involving drainage of pus from a patient’s limb being billed 3 to 4 times what it would usually cost.
• Full-rider policyholders may adopt a “safe than sorry” mindset and demand in-depth tests even for minor ailments, said infectious diseases specialist Leong Hoe Nam. Such investigations often lead to higher bills and overconsumption of services, he said.
• The co-payment percentage of at least 5% would make patients think twice about healthcare spending, said the doctors.

“Currently, people with full riders are in the minority but are spending the majority’s money, hence it is not very fair,” said Dr Chia.

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SMC warns money-greedy doctors about immoral ethics of overcharging insured patients

The Singapore Medical Council (SMC) has sent a circular to doctors reminding them of their role in helping keep healthcare costs down.

The reminder, it said, comes in the wake of recent scrutiny of healthcare insurance and unreasonable practices and fees. The SMC also alluded to media coverage of "hefty and questionable insurance claims".

The SMC also reminded doctors not to subject a patient to unnecessary test or procedures just because of the fees the doctor can charge, as this may be a breach of his ethical obligations.

read more

Billing procedures by private doctors need closer scrutiny

It is wrong to penalise policyholders who want to buy riders for their insurance plans (“Co-payment mandated for new IP insurance riders in bid to curb ‘buffet syndrome’”; March 7).

In cases where private hospitals & doctors send patients for unnecessary tests or treatments knowing they can be claimed through insurance, shouldn’t the Singapore Medical Council act on them & implement a system of checks to scrutinise these bills & penalise the doctors or sanction the hospitals?

How did medical bills at private hospitals get to be so high in some cases? Do doctors have so much leeway to bill unnecessary procedures? Do drug companies offer any benefits to doctors for using their drugs?

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IP full riders the first things we sell, say some insurance agents

Integrated Shield plan (IP) full riders have come under the spotlight for promoting a “buffet syndrome” among healthcare consumers, & insurance agents whom TODAY spoke to readily admitted that they have been aggressively pushing such policies to young clients — not entirely out of self-interest, even though the higher premiums mean they get to pocket a larger commission.

The agents said they are looking out for their clients’ interest by doing so, because premiums are cheaper when they are young & they would not qualify for such policies when they are older & have pre-existing illness.

These policies are the “first things” they would pitch to prospective clients, especially if they are young, said the agents, adding that IP full riders are by some distance the most popular policies they have sold.

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4 ways to manage escalating medical premiums

With the end of the 12-month premium freeze, some Integrated Shield Plan (IP) insurers are set to raise their premiums for next year amid increasing medical costs and higher claims. Healthcare costs are expected to continue its uptrend for years to come. In fact, the pace of inflation for healthcare is one of the fastest across all items. This is due to demographics and longevity. Singapore ranks within the top five in the world for life expectancy.

Longevity does not mean good health however. Rich men's diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels are so common that they are touted as the new norm. According to Ministry of Health (MOH) statistics, hospital admission rate increases by more than 30% every five years from 55 years old onwards.

There are currently 6 insurers offering IPs in Singapore. Here are 4 ways to choose and keep your preferred coverage while taming the ever-increasing premiums:

• Enter early
• Hospital class and co-payment
• Flexible structure
• Other ways​

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Why change policy on co-payment for Integrated Shield riders only now?

Even with full-riders, you still pay for your medical treatments

If you are just about sign up for a new rider to your integrated shield plan, you will not be able to find a rider that covers the entire co-payment amount, so that you don’t have to pay anything regardless of the bill size. Instead, you will have to pay at least 5% of your medical bill. There will be a cap on the co-payment amount each year.

If you already have one of those “full riders”, you may or may not affected. It depends on whether your insurer changes the terms of your existing policies. So… if you already have one of those “full riders”, don’t get too worried… yet.

A lot of people who read that news got quite angry. They ask: Why is the government squeezing Singaporeans? Medical treatments can be very expensive. Without those full riders, Singaporeans might end up having to pay huge medical bills. Has the government no heart?

related: Healthcare in Singapore is a misnomer. We don’t have healthcare

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Co-payment mandated for new IP insurance riders in bid to curb 'buffet syndrome'

To curb the over-consumption over-servicing & overcharging of healthcare services, the Ministry of Health says IP riders must now incorporate a co-payment of 5% or more. Reuters File foto

To curb the “buffet syndrome” among healthcare consumers who do not have to pay out-of-pocket for their hospital bills, new Integrated Shield plan riders must feature co-payment of at least 5%, the Ministry of Health announced on Wednesday (March 7).

New riders incorporating co-payment of 5% or more will be available by April next year.

In the meantime, insurers can still sell existing rider plans, some of which are full riders that cover the entire co-payment sums for hospital bills. But the insurers must inform new policyholders that they will transit to new riders with co-payment from April 1, 2021, said Senior Minister of State for Health Chee Hong Tat in Parliament on Wednesday (March 7).

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"Buffet Syndrome” leading to rising healthcare costs

There are limits to the buffet syndrome metaphor when it comes to dealing with integrated shield plans with zero co-payment coverage, says one observer from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy

If someone pays S$100 for a buffet, would you be surprised if that person proceeds to load up on as much food as possible? Or empties the dishes with the most expensive or delicious items?

What about when he or she picks up that last piece of lobster on the table, depriving others behind in the queue?

In this metaphor, the restaurant copes by pricing the buffet to make a profit even if there are people who consume much more than usual. Some people are happy, some get angry & stressed, and others simply give up and skip the buffet.

read more

related:
Ex-MP Inderjit Singh was against medical tourism in public hospitals
Is the Rise of Healthcare Cost Unsustainable?
"Buffet Syndrome” leading to rising healthcare costs
Singapore’s Healthcare: MediShield Life
National health insurance scheme MediShield Life
Medishield Life Review
The MediShield Life Conundrum
Return Our CPF – MediShield Life
Hospitals Facing Severe Bed Crunch
Tweaks or Tricks - PM's NDR 2013
Tweaks in Our SG Healthcare
Health Cost

Palm Sunday 2018

Palm Sunday, which falls on March 25 this year, is the first day of Holy Week and the most solemn time in the Christian calendar

Earth Hour 2018

ON SATURDAY 24 MARCH 2018, MILLIONS OF PEOPLE AROUND THE GLOBE ONCE AGAIN CAME TOGETHER FOR EARTH HOUR. FROM COLOMBIA TO INDONESIA TO FIJI, EARTH HOUR 2018 MOBILIZED PEOPLE, FOR THE FIRST TIME, TO CONNECT2EARTH AND SHARE WHAT NATURE MEANS TO THEM, IN THE PLACES THEY LIVE IN AND CARE ABOUT.

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Earth Hour was first celebrated in Singapore in 2009

The Singapore skyline a tad dimmer from 8.30 pm to 9.30 pm on 24 Mar 2018

Lights off to preserve the planet's environment

The world's most famous landmarks are plunged into darkness for one hour every year.

The global Earth Hour campaign raises awareness about the impacts of climate change. It started in Australia in 2007 and is now observed by participants in 187 countries, according to organisers.

Here are some major sites across the globe that dimmed their lights on Saturday 24 March 2018:

Sydney, Australia - Harbour Bridge and Opera House

Beijing, China - National Stadium (the "Bird's Nest")

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Petronas Towers

Taipei, Taiwan - Taipei 101

Singapore - Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay

New Delhi, India - India Gate

Moscow, Russia - Christ the Saviour Cathedral

Rome, Italy - Colosseum

Athens, Greece - Parthenon temple

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THE WORLD'S LARGEST EVENT TO PROTECT THE PLANET

Earth Hour is the global event inspiring millions to take action for our world.  In the UK this year, we’re encouraging everyone to sign up for Earth Hour by making a promise for the planet.

Earth Hour is also about marking the moment in a symbolic way. Hundreds of millions of people across the world, and nearly nine million in the UK will all switch off their lights on Saturday 24 March 2018 at 8:30pm to show their support for a better world and make their promise to do more to protect it.

This year, we want you to make a simple change to your everyday life, such as carrying a reusable coffee cup, switching to a green energy supplier, or washing your clothes at 30 degrees or lower.

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Deceptive language ruins Earth Hour

The demand for energy must be tempered with the impact on the planet

With Earth Hour being held around the world between 8:30 and 9:30 pm local time on Saturday, we are going to hear a lot about reducing ‘carbon pollution,’ ‘carbon emissions,’ and our supposed ‘carbon footprint.’

But this makes no sense. What we really need is Energy Hour

Carbon is a solid, naturally occurring, non-toxic element found in all living things. It forms thousands of compounds, much more than any other element. Medicines, trees, oil, and even our bodies are made of carbon compounds.

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How to explain Earth Hour to kids

Chicago will show its dark side on Saturday, and that’s a good thing. At 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, The Willis Tower, Navy Pier's Centennial Wheel, the Hancock Center, the Chicago Board of Trade, Northwestern University and other buildings around the city will turn off the lights for one hour as part of the World Wildlife Fund’s Earth Hour.

They are flipping the switch to show support for taking action to fight climate change and protect nature.

This is the twelfth year Earth Hour has taken place and landmarks across the country are participating, including the Empire State Building, the Superdome and the Space Needle. (You can find a full list of participants here)

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Why I should turn my lights off for Earth Hour?

Earth Hour is an annual event, organised by WWF

It may seem like a small change, but if billions of us commit to turning our lights out for an hour it can make a big difference.

According to WWF Thailand, Bangkok's electricity usage reduced by 73.34 megawatts during the hour - saving 41.6 tonnes of carbon monoxide from being produced.

In Christchurch, New Zealand, the city saw a 13 per cent drop in electricity demand during the hour.

So why not turn off the lights and eat your dinner by candlelight for just one evening?

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Lights switched off for Earth Hour to raise awareness on climate change

Earth Hour lasts for just 60 minutes and its power is purely symbolic. But beginning at 8:30 p.m. local time, in countries around the world, people are switching off the lights in a global call for international unity on the importance of climate change.

Since beginning in Sydney in 2007, Earth Hour has spread to more than 180 countries, with tens of millions of people joining in, from turning off the porch lights to letting the Opera House go dark.

Those 60 minutes are "an opportunity to adopt a shifting of the consumption culture, and behavior change towards sustainability," Indian Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan said in a statement.

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Help Our Planet By Going Dark For Earth Hour

Earth Hour was first observed in Sydney on March 31, 2007, when at the urging of the nonprofit, 2 million households and 2,100 businesses turned off all lights and non-essential devices for an hour. In doing so, they helped save 10% of the electricity, the equivalent of carbon dioxide emitted by 48,000 cars, consumed by the city's residents in a regular evening hour. The environmental impact of the one-hour event inspired people worldwide to join the movement. In 2008, 50 million people in over 5,000 cities observed Earth Hour and the numbers have only grown since. In 2017, tens of millions of people, from an unprecedented 187 countries and territories, participated and over 3,100 monuments and landmarks switched off their lights.

The WWF says the worldwide participation demonstrates people's desire to do their share to reverse climate change. For those that want to make a difference beyond the hour, the organization suggests simple lifestyle changes. These include air-drying dishes, unplugging all devices when not in use, walking or bicycling to work, and washing clothes in cold water.

Not sure what to do without your phone, tablet, and television for a whole hour? WWF suggests organizing a candlelight dinner for your family or, even better, a picnic under the stars. If that sounds “lame” how about a late night hike or bike ride? Those that want to make it an Earth “Night” could plan a camping trip complete with an old-fashioned bonfire and yummy s'mores! Ready to take the Earth Hour challenge? Sign up at earthhour.org and commit to “switching on your social power” to help spread the word. Climate change can be reversed if we all do our part!

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Is Earth Hour just a distraction?

Darkness isn’t something that we see a lot of anymore. Maybe that sounds silly. Of course, the sun still sets every evening, and the blue sky fades to black; but between the houses, the street lamps, the shops and the structures, our city – our whole planet – is still kept very much in the light.

For most of us, our world has been illuminated for as long as long as we can remember, it’s a modern convenience that we often take for granted. Yet few of us stop to think about the dark behind the light. The reality is that electricity is responsible for almost every light we see and that generating electricity is one of the most environmentally detrimental processes that exists. Most electricity is formed by burning coal and this is perhaps the biggest contributor to climate change. Nearly four grams of CO2 are produced for every gram of carbon burnt (and coal can contain as much as 60 to 80 per cent carbon). The short story is, our current rate of electricity usage is killing our planet.

It’s why, in 2007, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Australia came up with the idea of a ‘Lights Out’ event. Its purpose was to spread the word across Australia of the gravity of global warming, and to push the message that turning off non-essential electrical items can have a substantial impact. Fast forward 11 years, and this annual event is now called ‘Earth Hour’ and is the largest grassroots movement in support of the environment. In 2017, nearly nine million people got involved from 187 different countries.

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Do your part this Earth Hour

Being a South-African, you most probably know the term “load shedding” as everyone experienced that a few years ago. Living in Polokwane, you might also be used to frequent electricity problems. Therefore, to be at least one hour without electricity is not that unusual. Since we are very dependent on electricity, for charging our cell phones, watching television, or surfing the internet, we often find that we have nothing to do when the electricity is down. Although being in the dark is not ideal, it is also not the end of the world.

Once a year, for one hour, everyone on earth are expected to switch of their electricity and experience life without power, at night. This is called Earth Hour and this year it falls on Saturday, 24 March.

The first ever Earth Hour was held on 31 March 2006 in Sydney, Australia. San Francisco was the next major city to run a program related to saving power in October 2007. By 2008, 35 countries in the world were participating on all seven continents. Between 20:30 and 21:30, hundreds of cities in these 35 countries turned of their lights.  In 2016, the number of countries participating grew to 170.

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EARTH HOUR PARTICIPATION IN B.C. DROPPING DESPITE SUPPORT FOR CONSERVING ENERGY

A new report released today by BC Hydro finds most British Columbians still think Earth Hour is important despite four years of declining participation.

The report entitled “Lights out: Why Earth Hour is dimming in B.C.” found British Columbians reduced their electricity use during Earth Hour – an annual global event hosted by the World Wildlife Fund that encourages turning off the lights for an hour to raise awareness around combatting climate change – by just 0.3 percent in 2017, or 15 percent of the savings achieved in 2008.

The decline comes despite 7 in 10 British Columbians surveyed for the report saying they intend to participate in Earth Hour this year. The findings suggest BC Hydro’s largely hydroelectric generation may account for the lack participation in Earth Hour. Electricity generation accounts for only 1 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in B.C.

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Earth Hour participation on the decline, conservationists aren't buying it
Earth Hour participation in BC on the decline: Report
DEWA to offset carbon emissions during Earth Hour 2018
President to mark Earth Hour
Palace urges public to turn lights off on Earth Hour
Thousands of buildings and landmarks to switch off for Earth Hour
Palace urges public to support Earth Hour
Duluth landmarks to go dark for Earth Hour
Pakistan to observe Earth Hour tonight
Earth Hour to be observed in Pakistan today
Earth Hour Day today-Lights off 8:30-9:30 pm
5 places that keep the spirit of Earth Hour alive year-round
Deceptive Language Ruins Earth Hour
7 things you can do during Earth Hour
These Cincinnati landmarks will go dark for Earth Hour on Saturday
World Wildlife Fund's Earth Hour is tonight
Turn off your lights, celebrate Earth Hour
Earth Hour: Lights out for Houses of Parliament
When Why You Should Turn off Non-essential Electric Lights an Hour
Earth Hour to kick in 'Give Up' campaign
We all have a part to play in a cleaner, more sustainable future
Earth Hour: Ireland set to join the world in switching the lights off
A dine in the dark menu comes to London for Earth Hour
Egypt marks global Earth Hour
Earth Hour events postponed
Majority of Scots back stronger action on climate change
EDITORIAL - Let nature shine
Editorial: Unplug during Earth Hour, or at any time
Are you going to turn off the lights for Earth Hour?
Charminar to be switched off during Earth Hour 2018
Earth Hour marked by Ottawa electrical company
How to explain Earth Hour to kids
Earth Hour : Hassan II Mosque to switch off lights on Saturday
Earth Hour initiative helps promote conservation
Does Earth Hour really help cut emissions? Report suggests BC
Hotels across Taiwan to turn off outdoor lights for Earth Hour
Lights out tonight for Earth Hour
Earth Hour Sees Decline In Participation In BC
Celebrating Earth Hour with sustainable efforts
Earth Hour 2018: UAE ready to switch off the lights
Earth Hour: What is it and how can you get involved?
Earth Hour returns this weekend
Kerala Governor's appeal to support Earth Hour observance tomorrow
Join Manchester Cathedral and turn off your lights for Earth hour
The lowdown: Earth Hour
Fun activities marking Earth Hour 2018
Earth Hour participation in BC dropping despite support conserving energy
Philippines to turn lights off, pray to observe Earth Hour
West Orange Students Light Up Annual Earth Hour Event
Earth Hour: Re-think sustainable business designs and operations
Skylines to Switch Off as Millions Connect to the Planet to Celebrate
Deceptive language ruins Earth Hour
Gwynedd Council will support Earth Hour campaign
Dubai Airports to observe Earth Hour
Ker Guv's appeal to support Earth Hour observance tomorrow
Earth Hour 2018: It takes place at 8:30 pm on Saturday
Messer to switch off lights to mark Earth Hour
Earth Hour 2018: Everything You Need to Know
More Ways You Can Help Make Earth Hour Everything It's Trying To Be
Three things to do in the dark this Earth Hour
Hour 2018: London to go dark in support of the WWF movement
Legarda urges public to join Earth Hour
Lights out to mark global 'Earth Hour' in North West
DILG chief Año asks LGUs to join Earth Hour 2018
World's landmarks turn off light for nature
Skylines in Vizag to go dark observing WWF's Earth Hour
Happy Human Achievement Hour: A Better Alternative to 'Earth Hour'
Morocco Switches Off Lights for Earth Hour on Saturday
Romania marks Earth Hour for tenth year this weekend
World goes dark for Earth Hour
Samsung joins Global Earth Hour 2018
DILG encourages local gov'ts to join Earth Hour
DILG enjoins LGUs to support Earth Hour 2018 on March 24
Parishes urged to participate in Earth Hour
Lights out at Wastecycle for Earth Hour
Deutsche Hospitality sends out a clear climate protection signal
Press Release: Earth Hour reminder
Tell us: what actions will you be taking for Earth Hour?
Corporate Giants Go Dark for Earth Hour Campaign
City turning off lights Saturday in support of Earth Hour
Earth Hour 2018: Join hands in dark to let the earth shine
Iconic Buildings Go Dark For Earth Hour
Cut the lights for animals this Earth Hour
Niagara Falls Illumination Board To “Switch Off” Falls Illumination For
Music by candlelight for Earth Hour
Deutsche Hospitality to Support WWF's Earth Hour
Baguio joins earth hour observance
Weather: Earth Hour Celebrations Postponed
ICONIC M&D'S BIG WHEEL SET TO TAKE PART IN EARTH HOUR
Lights out at Bangor University for Earth Hour 2018
Makati to observe Earth Hour on March 24
Fife Council to mark Earth Hour this weekend
MP pledges to protect the planet for Earth Hour 2018
Earth Hour 2018: Lights out across UAE as Earth Hour is marked
When is Earth Hour 2018 tonight, what time should I turn my lights ...
Earth Hour 2018: Major landmarks around the world switch off the ...
World dims lights for Earth Hour 2018
Earth Hour 2018 - The World's largest event to protect the planet
'It's more than just turning off the lights': what else to do for Earth Hour
Palace tells public: Join Earth Hour observance

Malacañang urges Filipinos to go lights out for Earth Hour 2018
MGM Resorts International Joins World Observance of Earth Hour ...
Emirates Global Aluminium to mark Earth Hour 2018
Earth Hour: Harsh Vardhan Asks People to Switch off Lights for an

Lights out to mark global 'Earth Hour'
Earth Hour 2018 in Central and Eastern Europe

Alectra Utilities encouraging participation in Earth Hour 2018
Morocco's landmark mosque goes dark to mark Earth Hour