Value of energy conservation cited

Construction of more electric generators does not guarantee a stable and adequate power supply, according to a highly placed source.

The source said energy conservation, technically called "demand side management (DSM)," is a cheaper but more efficient alternative to building new power plants. DSM involves inculcating in every consumer the value of frugality in the use of electricity.

It is essentially designed to brig down demand for electricity even if the number of consumer remained constant. By making the wise use of electricity a habit in every household, as well as in all commercial and industrial establishments, the national requirements for power would be dramatically reduced, thereby easing the pressure on existing utilities.

At the same time, consumers would be able to muster hefty savings in their monthly electricity bills.

Giving added dimension to the significance of the DSM is the probability that the country is headed for another energy crisis that may be worse than the daily power outages in the early ’90s.