Use power sparingly, says Minister

by Ananda KANNANGARA

Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said that the Government does not want to burden people by increasing electricity tariffs at present and called upon domestic electricity consumers to pay more attention towards energy saving when using bulbs, refrigerators, television sets, fans, irons, water pumps and other electric appliances.

Minister Ranawaka called upon print and electronic media institution heads at a meeting on Friday to highlight the importance of saving electricity as the country's electricity consumption has reached the maximum capacity.

He said the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) is selling a unit of electricity incurring a heavy loss. Therefore, it was the duty of electricity consumers to fall in line with the Government's energy saving program, Vidulamu Lanka, which was launched recently.

Minister Ranawaka, himself an engineer by profession said that CEB approved CFL and LED bulbs should be used in homes and workplaces to save electricity.

He said people could save electricity if they avoid opening refrigerators many times a day, refrain from keeping warm food in refrigerators and also keeping vegetables, fruits, meat and fish in polythene bags in refrigerators.

Minister Ranawaka said that people should off televisions using the switch and not with remote controllers, which consumes more power.

"People should also be careful when using other home appliances such as electric irons, fans, water heaters and water pumps to save energy, he said.