Tuesday, 8 June 2010

The public was yesterday reminded to be mindful of their energy consumption and to act immediately and incisively in using energy more efficiently and economically.

Speaking during the Energy Roadshow in Tutong yesterday Hj Ismail Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Setia Dato Paduka Hj Hashim, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Energy) at the Prime Minister’s Office urged people not to “act only when our resources have been depleted, and realising the importance of conserving energy when it’s too late”.

“Our oil and gas will not last forever, and will eventually be depleted. In order to sustain our resources, we need to start using our energy thriftily and efficiently,” he said.

He added that acting early would prolong the availability of the resources, and ensure the prosperity and tranquillity of Brunei and its people for many years to come.

During the roadshow, leaflets and stickers on the conservation of energy were handed to motorists passing through the OG Complex in the district by officials in the Energy Division. The activity was part of the division’s initiative to raise awareness on unnecessary or excessive consumption of energy by the public at large.

“Even though this is the fourth Energy Day which we have celebrated since it was first organised in 2007, there is still a small group of people in the country who have not made any lifestyle changes or aren’t aware of the importance of energy saving,” said Hj Ismail.

“Recent activities held during Energy Day held on May 24 last month such as the No Subsidy Day and the eSaving SOS (Switch Off and Step) Campaign have successfully brought awarenes to the public on the importance of energy conservation, and it is hoped that such activities will continue to be held in the future,” he said.

Hj Ismail said that energy conservation can be achieved through the use of more energy efficient tools and devices at home.

“Although their prices are more expensive than their conventional counterparts, the return on investment is far greater through lower electricity bills,” he said.
He also suggested that all buildings install the energy management system, provide shades to reduce heat from the sun, using daylight to light up indoors during the day and using solar panels as an additional energy source.

“These methods have been shared among parties through various workshops that had been held,” he said.

Yesterday’s activity was organised in collaboration with the Petroleum Unit and the Department of Electrical Services as part of a series of roadshows being held in the Sultanate in conjunction with Brunei’s Energy Day which was held on May 24. A similar activity will be held in Temburong District today. The Brunei Times

By Al-Haadi Abu Bakar
Courtesy of The Brunei Times