In the opinion of experts in
the electricity sector, the wasteful use of power at most public offices and
State-owned companies is attributed to many reasons. Specifically, many types
of electrical equipment that are being used are outdated; the awareness of electricity
users remains limited; the management of power use is still loose. The
Nguyen Thanh Toan, a technical expert from the Ho Chi Minh City Energy Conservation Center, said, “Many simple methods can be applied to save at least 5-10 percent of electricity consumption, for example turning off electrical equipment when use is not necessary or operating air conditioners at suitable temperatures. However, many companies still ignore these simple methods.”
Pham Huy Phong, the head of
the Consultation Department of the Ho Chi Minh City Energy Conservation Center,
said, “Because they do not have to pay for the use of electricity at the office,
employees do not have the habit of saving electricity. They often forget to turn
off electrical equipment when getting out of the office. Another reason leading
to wasteful use of electricity is improper installation, design and use of many
types of office equipment such as lighting equipment and air conditioners.”
In
25-40 percent of electricity
consumption can be saved
The Energy Management Division
of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade said that in recent
years the city achieved positive results in saving electricity. In the first
six months of 2010, the city saved 111.4 million kWh of electricity, 11.58
percent above the planned target. Specifically, public lighting companies saved
37.8 million kWh (33.9 percent of the total); administrative offices saved 17.2
million kWh (15.5 percent); production facilities saved 36.8 million kWh; and
families saved 19.5 million kWh (17.5 percent).
However, the Ministry of
Industry and Trade said that the potential for energy conservation remains high.
Successful application of saving methods can reduce power consumption
considerably. The cement sector for example can save 50 percent of power
consumption and trade center buildings can save 25 percent. Through survey, the
In
Though the concerned
ministries and departments have initiated many energy conservation programs and
proposed lots of solutions to save energy, the situation cannot be improved
overnight.
Tran Anh Hao, the head of the
Energy Management Division of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and
Trade, said, “Most offices and companies intend to gradually replace the old electrical
equipment items with new, energy-efficient equipment items. This solution will help
reduce electricity consumption but it will lead to the waste of existing public
assets.”
To propose a solution for effective
management of electricity consumption, Nguyen Anh Tuan, the deputy general
director of the EVN Hanoi, said, “Power sale contracts do not have any article that
requires customers to restrict consumption. Therefore, apart from conducting
energy audits according to existing regulations, it is necessary to impose appropriate
tax levels on users and adjust electricity prices. The State must set limits for
power consumption at administrative offices depending on the number of staff
members. On their side, businesses must also propose power saving methods based
on the number of employees. If all those actions are taken seriously, it is
believed that the situation of energy conservation will improve considerably.”