WE ARE entering a new era.

We are experiencing a seismic shift in the energy landscape and in energy markets here in Ireland and across the world. The availability, affordability and environmental sustainability of energy are perhaps the most topical issues of our time.

Ireland's massive reliance on fossil fuels means we are pumping carbon dioxide into the atmosphere at an alarming rate while the cost of those same fuels, because of their finite nature, is going up all the time. I believe strongly that we can break the cycle by focusing on three areas:

improving the efficiency with which we use energy; developing renewable sources of energy; and competitively deploying energy within our economy. Reduced dependency on imported fossil fuels improves our security of supply. The premium from improved energy efficiency is returned to the individual energy user and to the economy. And less use of fossil fuels means less greenhouse gas emissions.

The "power of one" campaign, which is targeted to every individual in this country, addresses the first goal:

improving the efficiency of the energy we currently use.

I realise it's easy to become overwhelmed when we look at "the big picture". Issues like global warming and fuel shortages can make us all feel powerless. That's where the idea of the "power of one" comes in. If we all become aware of our own power when it comes to energy efficiency, and use it properly, we can collectively make a big difference to ourselves, to our pockets, and to the environment. Each of us is important in this. By taking individual responsibility and changing our behaviour in small ways every day, we'll help save energy while we save money too.

Truly, power of one has already captured the attention of people all across Ireland and I've met hundreds of people who have shared with me what changes they are making.

I know that "power of one" will help all of us get started on the challenging but absolutely necessary journey to efficiency. The campaign empowers individual responsibility through changing behaviour in small ways, every day that will undoubtedly lead to a major transformation in Ireland's relationship with energy usage. In fact, you can see the transformation yourself happening to real families all over Ireland on www. powerofonestreet. ie.

It's simple and nearly effortless to make one change, one day. Who knows where it may lead you? Becoming aware of turning off lights in unoccupied rooms, switching off the TV instead of leaving it on standby, or simply evaluating your own home's energy usage may lead to major savings. It will also allow you to be part of the solution instead of part of the problem.

All we have to do is recognise our power, and use it. It's what the power of one is all about.