White Mountains Insurance Group personal auto insurance subsidiary Esurance is supporting Lights Out San Francisco, an event urging individuals and businesses to turn off their lights for one hour to raise awareness about energy conservation and reduce carbon emissions. The event will take place on Saturday, October 20, just after nightfall.

It is modelled after similar events in Sydney and London but will be the first event of its kind in the United States.

Lights due to be turned off include those that illuminate the Golden Gate Bridge, as well as in Bay Area restaurants, government buildings, and homes. It is estimated that one hour of energy conservation in San Francisco could save as much as 10 percent of the energy consumed on a Saturday night. "When Lights Out San Francisco approached Esurance about supporting this initiative, I was delighted. I happened to be in Sydney when that city turned its lights out for an hour, and was inspired by how everyone got together to accomplish something so positive, and so beautiful," said Kristin Brewe, director of brand and public relations at Esurance.

"Lights Out San Francisco has created an event where people can see the stars, enjoy the candlelight, and celebrate their communities - all while helping improve our environment."

To help San Francisco residents commemorate the occasion, Esurance is providing a little illumination of the old-fashioned kind — beeswax candles.