Saving energy

The recent hike in electricity rates has sparked a debate on conservation of energy, which is usually not given much prominence in this country. It is usually thought of only when there is an energy crunch or when the electricity rates go up. When the reservoirs are full and the thermal plants are in full swing, there is little incentive to talk about conserving energy. This is quite a wrong approach. Energy conservation is a subject that deserves constant focus.

What is alarming and distressing is that there has been no widespread dialogue in the media and elsewhere on the merits of conserving energy, at least until now. The authorities too must be more committed to energy conservation, in terms of electricity, fuel and other sources of power.

During a recent visit to Japan, I was impressed by the efforts taken by the Government of Japan in this regard. Japan has what is called a “Top Runner” program which compels manufacturers to turn out energy efficient appliances and products with set targets each year. The Top Runner program, started in 1998, sets the efficiency standards for more than 20 products (including cars, vending machines, air-conditioners, TVs, microwave ovens and computers) sold in Japan. On a regular basis, officials test all the products currently available in a category, determine the most efficient model, and make that model's level of efficiency the new baseline. The best available becomes the new normal. Products which meet the energy efficiency standard receive a Top Runner label.

Circle of life

This drives other companies to try to make even more efficient models to compete, which in turn means the next time officials set standards, the best available products will be even more efficient. It is a “circle of life” that gets better year after year. For example, computers made in Japan in 2004 were 83 per cent more energy than those made in 1998 at the start of the program.

Japanese officials explained to me that they had achieved four major goals through Top Runner: Cost savings from reduced energy consumption; Rates of energy efficiency required for 21 products have all been met or exceeded;

Reduced greenhouse gas emissions due to decreased energy use and increased market opportunities for energy-efficient products.

As a result, Japan not only has one of the most energy-efficient economies in the world, it is improving even more quickly, and plans to be 30 percent more efficient than it is now (measured by energy use compared to economic growth) by 2030.

There are plenty of lessons that we can draw from this programme and experience in Japan. There is very little impartial information here on energy efficient ‘white goods’ (mainly refrigerators and washing machines) and other household appliances, if you dismiss the colourful advertisements for ‘’low power consumption” devices. An awareness should be created on this issue by the energy authorities. In most countries, household appliances are given an energy rating such as A+ or B, (or one to five stars) to denote exactly where they are placed on the energy efficiency ladder. The buyers can then buy the top-rated products with confidence.

Sri Lanka should also have such an identification system in place for all electrical products, not just light bulbs. The Consumer Affairs Authority or another government institution can run an awareness campaign on the importance of buying energy efficient products. Importers and manufacturers can be asked to join this nationally important campaign. Over a period of time, importers and manufacturers will begin to supply only top-rated products, because there would be no demand for energy-guzzling ones.

Solar roof

The only caveat is that they tend to be more expensive (a LED bulb will cost Rs.2,500 vs. the Rs.500 for a fluorescent bulb) since new technologies are used to reduce power consumption. However, they fare much better in the long run in terms of power consumption - the electricity bill will decrease drastically. If 100 people replace their old refrigerators with an inverter-equipped refrigerator that saves at least 40 percent of the power requirement of the older one, there will be a major power saving.

Replacing your old CRT TV? Then the advice should be “go for a LED TV”.

Buying an air-conditioner? The best option is to purchase a model equipped with a digital inverter and a proximity sensor, which turns the unit off if no one is around. Want to buy a new car? Consider a hybrid or even a diesel. These are among the options for those looking to replace or upgrade their household products. It is certainly worth the extra outlay.

The authorities should also check whether builders are incorporating energy efficient components in buildings under construction. For example, giving ample room for sunlight to permeate living spaces in a given building can minimise lighting requirements during daytime. The installation of a ‘solar roof’ can supplement the national grid power supply. Some of the water can be recycled. Builders should be given concessions and incentives for incorporating such green concepts in their buildings.

Still, the best option is to conserve energy, in the true sense of the word. And that simply means turning off that bulb and fan in an empty room.

It does not cost anything to do so and in fact, it will be easy on your wallet. If you use the iron once a week to iron the clothes planned for the coming week instead of ironing one or two clothes every day, a big quantity of electricity can be saved. Installing a solar light in the garden will negate the need to have a mains-connected bulb. If you walk to the junction instead of taking your car or SUV, the country’s fuel bill can be reduced in the long run. So does taking public transport once in a while.

Saving energy is not rocket science. It is a fairly simple exercise that may sometimes cost no money at all. What we need is the will to do it. If there is a collective effort to reduce energy consumption, the country and the future generations will benefit in no small measure.