McDonald's turns off golden arches to save electricity

New Zealand - McDonald's is turning off its trademark golden arches in New Zealand, in response to a nationwide campaign to cut electricity use by 10%.

As the country of four million people braces for winter power shortages, McDonald's says it will turn off all unnecessary lighting and machinery, including the golden arches at some of its 148 outlets nationwide.

Spokesman Liam Jeory said: "That was quite a tough call to make because lighting actually plays a key role in telling people your business is open."

Arches on restaurant roofs will be turned off, but others outside the restaurants will continue to shine.

New Zealand faces likely power blackouts this winter after low rainfall depleted hydro lakes, which provide the bulk of the country's electricity generation.

Natural gas reserves in the country's main field are also running down.

The public has so far made a half-heartened attempt to reach the 10% savings target.

Nationwide savings in the past month totaled 3%. The country's biggest city, Auckland, has so far cut consumption only 1.9%. -- Annanova News

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