Make it a habit, Power firm tells public to conserve electricity

CEBU, Philippines - As demand for power normally increases during the summer months, the Visayan Electric Company is calling on the public to make it a habit to save electricity at all times not only to lower utility bills but also to help the environment.

VECO Corporate Communications manager Theresa Sederiosa said the tight power supply during summer is a normal occurrence as the company also expects an increase in economic activities and power use in most houses.

"The national government has called for everybody to save energy," she said.

Although this time, the power distributor has maintained its normal power supply, she added.

Energy saving ways

Amid the expected surge in power demand, VECO has suggested a few energy saving ways for homeowners or establishment owners to save money and cut energy costs.

The most common and easiest tip given was to unplug devices that are not in use especially when everybody is outside the house; plug in items only when needed.

When a home appliance is turned off but is still being plugged, it actually consumes energy.

VECO also advised condo owners who are always out of the house to make sure everything is turned off when leaving.

Heating and cooling electronics that consume a lot of power include air conditioner, microwave, water dispenser, refrigerator, and rice cooker among others.

The use of these electronic devices must be controlled as much as possible, Sederiosa said.

"The refrigerator can be turned off during the night because the coldness will stay inside naman," she said, adding that it should only be plugged in at daytime as it is regularly opened from time to time.

As much as possible, family members should sleep in the same room using only one electric fan or air conditioner to minimize power consumption

It is also advisable to open the windows in the room to let the outdoor air come in and maintain the temperature inside fairly stable.

Ironing of clothes should also be done once a week to save energy and time.

Moreover, Sederiosa advised residents to acquire solar panels for their houses to limit energy costs, increase home's value and help the environment.

"We don't consider it as detrimental to our business," she stressed. "But we're thinking of long-term development, it's an innovation so let's use it."

Solar panels generate energy from sunlight and convert it into cost-efficient energy, thus minimizing the use of electricity.

Sederiosa said these tips should be practically done at all times, not just during the summer season as these changes would significantly improve the quality of life while saving money.

"Let's try to make this a habit," she advised. "Put it in our system. Remember our resources are limited. Let's conserve so that our children will enjoy these in the future." — (FREEMAN)