VECO warns public against power-saving devices

CEBU, Philippines - The Visayan Electric Company (VECO) warns consumers not to use power-saving devices and encouraged them instead to practice energy efficiency and conservation tips that are proven effective.

VECO corporate communications manager Theresa Gonzales said that power savers do not actually save power but rather adds to the load consumption.

Power savers are generally used to save energy and reduce electricity bills. It is a device which is plugged in to the power socket and is claimed to reduce power consumption if kept connected to the socket.

Gonzales said that the electric utility previously conducted a study on four kinds of power–saving devices to test their effectivity.

She said that findings reported that none of them worked when plugged to the outlet but increased the power load based on the electric meter.

She also pointed out that there have been no endorsements from VECO on any brand of power savers in the market.

Gonzales’ statements were supported by VECO customer retail services department manager Bailey del Castillo who said that they are discouraging the use of power savers since it does not have any effect on conserving energy.

He reminded the public to be careful when using power savers and advised them instead to practice other effective energy-saving tips that could help them reduce their electricity bills.

“Unplug what is not needed. For instance, you can unplug your refrigerators before sleeping. If you left it plugged, it still consumes power overnight even if no one uses it during the rest of the evening. It actually saves you P500 in your monthly electricity bills,” del Castillo said.

Refrigerators should also be defrosted frequently since frost acts as an insulating blanket which causes the motor to work overtime, thus resulting to more electric energy used.

Overcrowding the refrigerator is also discouraged since this interferes with the circulation of air and overworks the compressor to maintain cold temperature. Refrigerator door gaskets should also be checked for leaks. A worn-out gasket can cause the motor to work longer to maintain desired temperature.

VECO also reminds the public to avoid unnecessary opening of refrigerator which is commonly observed in households.

All electrical appliances should be checked if they are in good condition. They require more electricity if it does not operate efficiently.If found to be defective, appliances should be repaired immediately to prevent their motor to run more frequently and use more electricity.

Airconditioning units should also be changed it if it has been used for ten years and household owners need to clean its filter regularly.

When no one is watching a broadcast, television sets should be switched off. For electric fans, oscillators should be locked when it is needed only by one or two persons to allow the air to be blown directly without having to wait for the fan to revolve completely towards the users.

Proper amount of water should be applied when dampening clothes to be ironed since excessive moisture results to more electric energy used. The electric flat iron could already be disconnected during the last few minutes of the ironing work while the flat iron is still hot enough to finish the work. /JOB (FREEMAN)