DENVER - Xcel Energy is promoting a statewide, one-day event to emphasize energy conservation on Dec. 11.

The event, "Lights Out Lunch," asks both individuals and restaurants to turn off lights during the lunch hour -- from noon to 1 p.m. -- that day.

"We are working hard to help customers use energy as efficiently as possible, not only to help keep their bills low but also to reduce our overall environmental impact," said Tim Taylor, president and CEO of Public Service Co., an Xcel Energy company. "The Lights Out Lunch program was developed to raise awareness among consumers and businesses about small, easy actions they can take that collectively can have a large impact, like turning off unnecessary lights and using compact fluorescent light bulbs."

Restaurants are signing up for the program through the Colorado Restaurant Association, pledging to turn off their lights and providing exclusive offers and discounts to customers who sign up and download coupons from www.LightsOutLunch.com.

The program is a collaboration between Xcel Energy, the Governor's Energy Office and the city and county of Denver.