Ross Sheil, Staff Reporter
Dr. Cezley Sampson speaking at yesterday's launch of Energy Conservation Month to be observed in October, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, yesterday. - IAN ALLEN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
JAMAICA NEEDS to raise $1.5 billion over the next 10 years to fund the modernisation of its energy sector, says Dr. Cezley Sampson, Director of the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica's (PCJ) Energy Efficiency Unit.
Dr. Sampson was speaking yesterday at the press launch of Energy Conservation Month at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in St. Andrew. The campaign aims to bring a 'cultural shift' in Jamaica's energy use, the cost of which has become an increasing burden on the economy.
"Efficient and environmentally friendly production and consumption, as well as increased use of alternative and renewable energy are our main goals," said Dr. Sampson.
Examples of renewable energy given by Dr. Sampson include the freezing of ice overnight at Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay. The ice is used the following day for the air conditioning units. Dr. Sampson disclosed that his domestic solar water heater is saving him $3,000 per month.
"Wider understanding", of the issues was needed, he stressed. "When the oil prices go up, everybody jump on the bandwagon , but when they go down we forget it ." The purpose of Energy Conservation Month is to inform the public of the steps that they can take to use energy efficiently, he explained.
Jamaica he said would have to decide whether to finance the energy policy through private or public funds. Choosing public funds might deprive sectors such as health and education which would be less able to raise them privately, he reasoned.
The US$10 million (J$600 million) Energy Fund said Dr. Sampson was still being developed." Further technical expertise was needed to ensure the fund is efficient. It will be used to assist with the adoption of energy saving technology." he said.
