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Fitzgeralds Turns Off Lights

While many Las Vegas casino/hotels are adding surcharges to hotel bills to cover increased power costs, Fitzgeralds has implemented a conservation program that management hopes will offset the increases that Nevada Power implemented during the past year.

``We want to take a leadership role in conserving and reducing our energy use,'' said Bill Noonan, Fitzgeralds vice president and general manager. ``We are turning off many of our decorative exterior lights after 2 a.m. and have implemented a number of other conservation measures.''

``Passing the cost along to our guests doesn't really do anything to help solve the energy problem we all face,'' Noonan said. ``By working with our team members and guests to promote conservation, we think we can take a pro-active approach that will help reduce the demands on the power grids.

Among Fitzgeralds' conservation measures are:

-- Turning off a significant portion of exterior decorative lighting after 2 a.m.

-- Installing timers on certain lights on the property.

-- Replacing regular light bulbs with energy-savings bulbs, wherever possible.

-- Ensuring that team members turn off all lights, computer/TV monitors and other electrical devices at the end of the day. In addition, Fitzgeralds has assigned security team members on the late night and early morning shifts to make sure unnecessary lights and electrical equipment are turned off.

-- Turning off kitchen equipment when not in use.

-- Installing pre-set levels for air-conditioning units.

-- Implementing an in-room marketing campaign to remind guests to turn off lights, televisions, air conditioners, etc., whenever they leave the room.

``By working on conservation measures first, Fitzgeralds is trying to keep costs down, and therefore avoid implementing an energy charge,'' Noonan said. ``Guest service has always been our primary hallmark, so this is just one more way we are working to provide the best service for our guests.''

Like other businesses, Fitzgeralds has had to deal with a series of electric rate increases.

``Last year, Nevada Power implemented a 14-percent increase,'' said Gene Sagas, director of facilities at Fitzgeralds. ``Then in March, they implemented another 20-percent increase in rates, which means Fitzgeralds has absorbed both increases without raising its costs to guests. In addition, the power company already has filed for another 1.4-percent increase with the public utilities commission.''

Fitzgeralds is located at the start of the popular Fremont Street Experience in downtown Las Vegas. Fitzgeralds' signature Irish theme and friendly staff have made it a favorite for Las Vegas visitors.

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