This is one of the activities in the energy efficiency program which has been launched by Labor Union of Hanoi City and Hanoi Electricity since June 2010.

Since electricity production and supply have recently been in very difficult condition, in order to maintain electrical system security and ensure electricity for the key and essential fields of the society, EVN has distributed power output to Electricity Companies.

Local electricity companies have carried out alternate electricity cut to guarantee the allocated electricity output.

Particularly in Hanoi, during the recent heat wave, electricity consumption has increased sharply: on 19th June, 37 million KWh was used, on 20th June, almost 40 million kWh, increasing by nearly 40% over the same period in 2009. According to EVN Hanoi, the sudden growth mainly gathered in daily life consumption. Meanwhile, in other provinces electricity consumption were deeply reduced - 30% over the same period in 2009 because every week, these provinces have electricity outage in 2-3 days. 

State servants and other employees commit to save electricity

According to the action plan for energy efficiency launched among state servant and workers in Hanoi, corporate unions will coordinate with specialized sections to design plans to use the given power and capacity load charts in the signed power purchase contracts. 

Besides, firms need to change production plan to reduce production at peak hours in preparation of the power shortage. 

As for production utilities with large power consumption (consumption capacity over 3,000,000 kWh per year), there should be periodic energy audit plan and investment plans in technical equipment for energy efficiency. 

Also in the program, the Trade union members will join a commitment of energy efficiency at workplace and home and gradually replacing incandescent bulbs with compact lamps at home.

Some specific saving methods include encouraging households to use solar water heaters, limiting the use of electrical appliances during peak hours, turning off electrical appliances when not in use.

Enterprises must make the most use of natural light and ventilation; turn off lights when there is fewer people working, use energy-efficiency electrical device, only use air condition when necessary. 

In particular, at least 50% of the general lighting in hallways, courtyard area, gardens, and fences should be reduced.
  
Labor Union of Hanoi hope this program will improve the awareness and change actions of individuals, officers and staff and firms, so that each employee will become a propagators in the community about energy saving. 

By Phuong  Anh