Sunday, April 3, 2011

Consumer’s responsibility to conserve energy


Consumer’s responsibility to conserve energy

Consumers coming to the utilities for innovative ways to educate the consumer first of all, in other words some form of education to conserve energy to assist with the energy crisis, and then also the energy devices that one can implement either those which are relatively inexpensive or those that are more expensive.

What are some of the options consumers have?

If we have a look at just the simple basic habits - that’s switching off lights, buy low voltage bulbs (CFL-LED), switch off faucets, put timers on and or photocells, when you fill up the kettle only boil the water you require for your cup of coffee. I think this is a way of life, and it is about lifestyle - perhaps we are accustomed to something different, it’s now about saying “how can I be more energy efficient?” because I understand as a consumer that the crisis we are currently faced with at the moment goes beyond the responsibility of the utilities. This is the consumer’s responsibility - it’s not going to be solved overnight, but as consumers we can in fact take that role. Our appeal to homeowners is to say “how are we in fact conserving energy, and contributing or assisting in actually solving/minimizing the problem?” If each and every one went a little bit of the way - perhaps an energy saving of 5% or 10% can easily go a long way to assist in the energy crisis.

We still have to depend on wind turbines and solar power - we have batteries that we need to get in order to help to save those power needs as well - are we able to afford them?

I think when we have a look at things like a wind turbine and solar panels those are expensive items - but if you take the average house 20% of the electricity is actually used in the lights. If you used a low voltage bulb for example you’d save 650% of the actual lighting energy that you require - those are inexpensive ways to go about it.

When we use our vehicle, try to accomplish multiple errands at one time, you will save fuel and wear.

We also must look at conserving water – this is resource that sustains life, it must be preserved and not waited or abused. See if you can harvest and utilize rainwater.

YJ Draiman, Energy Analyst

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