Callum - file

With thousands of Jamaicans tuning in to the Beijing Olympics by television, the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) says it is anticipating a two per cent increase in electricity demand.

Winsome Callum, head of corporate communications at the JPS, said the light and power company is equipped to manage this demand.

"Summer is usually a high-demand period and, over the years, JPS has had to deal with events such as this - for example World Cup football, so the company prepares itself accordingly," Callum told The Gleaner last week.

She said the JPS did not expect any form of load-shedding or power outages during the Olympics, which started last Friday and end on August 24.

According to Callum, the JPS is forced to carry out load-shedding only when there is a shortfall in generation - that is, when there is inadequate supply to meet demand.

She explained that load-shedding was likely if unexpected problems develop on multiple generating units at the same time that others are off line for maintenance.

How to conserve on energy during hot summer months

For conservation to be effective, it has to be done consistently and requires lifestyle changes in many cases.

(1) Turn off or unplug appliances that are not in use.

(2) Operate electrical devices at the lowest speed and setting possible; this can help to lower operational wattage.

(3) To ensure efficient electricity usage, ask yourself the following questions:

Do I need to use this equipment?

Can I use more energy-efficient options, such as natural light, heat from the sun, wind or manpower to carry out this task?

Do I need to operate this equipment for all the time that it is on?

Is this appliance or equipment properly maintained or being operated in the correct manner, according to the manufacturer's instructions?

For more conservation tips, collect a brochure at the nearest JPS office, or log on to Conservation Corner on the JPS website at www.jpsco.com.