Community Lifelines Programme - Energy Sector - Energy Efficiency
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY AWARENESS IN THE PACIFIC REGION
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Background:
Energy efficiency put simply means using less energy to produce the same amount of output. Whether it is in the home or a manufacturing plant or an industrial process, energy efficiency is central in all. In the Pacific where most if not all the primary sources of energy are imported petroleum fuels, the need to be more energy efficient is paramount. Power utilities in the region, in the face of rising oil prices, are struggling to meet the increasing demand by consumers. On the other hand, consumers are also struggling to meet their ever rising energy bills.
There are three major advantages of an energy efficiency programme:
a) from a power utility point of view, it delays the need for new generation capacity;
b) from the consumer point of view, it reduces the energy bills; and
c) from an environmental pint of view, using less energy, reduces the level of emission of greenhouse gases and other pollutants.
At the SOPAC secretariat, we have initiated an energy efficiency programme, whereby we are raising awareness amongst staff members on a number of best practice measures. These simple best practice which include, closing the doors and windows properly when air conditioners are in use, turning the air condition and lights off when the room is not in used and encouraging the use of energy efficient appliances have seen a remarkable reduction in our energy bills.
Our energy efficiency programme with member countries includes carrying out simple energy audits and some minor improvements in the lighting and air conditioning systems in government premises. SOPAC is also promoting the importation of appliances that have energy rating labels in Pacific Island Countries.
On the transport sector there is the Promotion of Environmentally Sustainable Transportation project. SOPAC currently seeking national counterparts to gather information and compile country (Fiji, Samoa and Vanuatu) reports which will be used in the process of developing a medium-sized project for GEF funding. The purpose of the project is the promotion of environmentally sustainable ground transportation systems for improving energy use efficiency in transport, and for improving public transportation systems.
Demand Side Management with Power Utilities at SOPAC has been the implementing agency for this UNDESA funded project. The project is to be carried out through the Power Utilities in the region. The Fiji Electricity Authority and the Samoa Electric Power Corporation are the participating utilities.
For more information please contact:
Rupeni Mario
Senior Energy Adviser
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