BY: FAYETTE C. RIÑEN
CEBU CITY, June 27 (PIA) – Energy Undersecretary Raul Aguilos urged the public to conserve energy to avert an energy crisis as demand for power is rising more than the available supply.
“Energy crisis occurs when demand grows bigger than the energy supply,” said Aguilos during the recent Cebu Unplugged Energy Forum initiated by the Visayan Electric Company (VECO).
Aguilos said when we try to use more power than what is needed we are contributing to energy inefficiency which if massive can lead to an emergency situation.
“By consuming only what is needed, we can help secure a steady supply of electricity,” said Aguilos before an estimated 100 participants from various sectors including the business community.
The DOE said construction of new power plants is a long-term solution to the power situation but adopting energy conservation methods can significantly help in addressing the current situation.
Aguilos lauded the VECO’s advocacy support to government’s campaign on energy conservation and efficiency as the latter called on the public to practice eight simple and practical steps to use electricity wisely.
These eight steps are unplug, defrost, cover up, wash in one go, shut the door, use gas, favor fans, and choose energy-efficient appliances.
According to VECO’s IEC campaign, electronics and appliances continue sapping energy when being plugged in, even in a switch “off” mode. Unplugging electronics can chop around 10-25 percent off your regular energy.
In defrosting, make sure that your refrigerator stands away from direct sunlight or other heat sources as this eases the load of the compressor.
Window curtains can reduce energy costs by up to 25 percent. You could even save more by sealing gaps where warm airs enters.
For washing, let clothes hang dry instead naturally under the sun as washer dryer use up a huge amount of energy.
Moreover, check the door seals or gaskets of your appliances like refrigerator to make sure that this closes firmly keeping temperature constant.
Furthermore, to save on energy, use gas instead because gas is almost twice as efficient as electricity when heating food and water. Up to 70 percent of energy is lost whenever gas is converted.
Also, use electric fans more instead of air conditioner because each degree of higher temperature can help you save up to 3 percent cooling costs.
Be smart users by choosing energy-efficient appliances. (mbcn/FCR/PIA7/with reports from Mary Jane G. Conciliado, PIT intern)