Energy Ministry urges for more conservation

HOPING TO reduce Jamaica's oil import bill, the Ministry of Mining and Energy, has initiated another programme, Conserve Energy and Save, targeting the home, commercial and industrial sectors.

At present, national consumption of oil for energy is about 24 million barrels annually, which adds US$688 million to Jamaica's import bill. The amount fluctuates with world oil prices.

Between February 1999 and March 2000, oil prices moved from US$11 per barrel to US$30 per barrel. Since then, world prices have fallen below the US$30 mark.

The issue is compounded by the severe shortage of generating capacity to meet islandwide electricity supply on a sustained basis. Demand currently outstrips supply, and the result is frequent load-shedding and media campaigns encouraging households to use less power.

Electricity is generated from oil, and now 80 per cent privately owned Jamaica Public Service Company both generates as well as supplies electricity, a service for which it maintains a monopoly.

The new CEAS programme aims to reduce energy use through the encouragement of a more judicious use of energy-consuming devices and equipment, said a JIS report quoting Ministry official, Conroy Watson.

Here are some tips on how to consume less, as proposed under the CEAS plan:

Turn off water heaters and other non-essential appliances before retiring to bed at nights.

Install energy-saving bulbs throughout the home, but particularly in high-usage areas such as the kitchen and the living room.

If planning to buy computers, microwaves, air conditioning units refrigerators, and televisions, or any other electronic items, ensure that they are 'energy-savers'. Most new appliances made or sold in the United States have the designation 'En-ergy Star TM' to signify that they are energy efficient.

Check appliances to ensure they are in optimum working condition. Maintaining clean air conditioning filters, door linings/gaskets and compressors for refrigerators can save energy and cost.

Do not leave refrigerator doors open for extended periods. The refrigerator is among the main energy burners in the home. For every minute a door is left open, it requires three minutes to regain the prior temperature.

Avoid using heavy appliances such as washers/dryers and electric ovens during peak power consumption hours.

Solar control window film applied to existing glass in windows and doors is an effective method to reduce the demand for air conditioning, and also conserve energy when air conditioning might be required. In addition, the films can reduce glare as well as exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Install patio covers, awnings, and solar window screens to shade your home from the sun and reduce heat gain. For additional future savings, use strategically planted trees, shrubs and vines.

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