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Business

Meralco warns of spike in power demand

- Donnabelle L. Gatdula -

Power utility firm Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) has warned consumers of a possible spike in power demand in the summer months.

Meralco vice president for corporate communication Elpi Cuna thus reminded customers to be mindful of their consumption during this period.

“The hot summer months usually raise the consumption levels of our customers,” Cuna said.

Based on government data, however, power supply in the Luzon grid will increase between 6,600 to 8,000 megawatts (mw) per day from March to June 2008, more than enough to address the projected peak demand of roughly 6,000 mw during the summer months.

The Meralco official, however, pointed out that simple but often neglected energy saving tips are a big help in lowering electricity use most especially in households.

“Very simple tips such as using compact fluorescent lights instead of incandescent bulb, doing your ironing at one time and opening refrigerators only when needed will, in one way or the other, help a household save electricity,” he said.

He said appliances will operate more efficiently and use less energy when it is in good working order.

Cuna also noted that since the summer months are vacation time for school children, appliance usage is also expected to go up.

“We also advise our customers to make sure that their household appliances are well maintained in order to cope with the expected increase in its usage” he said.

Some appliances known to use up a lot of electricity during summer include airconditioners, refrigerators, freezers, electric fans, water pumps and entertainment appliances like TV and computers, among others.

To guide consumers on electricity usage, Meralco has also installed the Meralco Appliance Calculator or MAC at leading appliance stores.

The MAC is a computer-aided device that computes the consumption amount of common household appliances like television, airconditioner, computer and refrigerator.

 Cuna said this device will help guide consumers on how to utilize their household appliances. Use of the MAC Info Kiosks is free of charge.

APPLIANCES

CUNA

ELPI CUNA

INFO KIOSKS

LUZON

MANILA ELECTRIC CO

MERALCO

MERALCO APPLIANCE CALCULATOR

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