As soon the summer approaches as the electricity demand soars since domestic consumers switch on their fans/air conditioners to beat the heat. There is a need to devise ways and means to meet the electricity deficit which has soared upto 15 percent of the total peak demand of 19000 MW.
A permanent solution to the present energy crises lies in quantum addition in the generation capacity. This is probably easier said than done, since power generation projects both capital intensive and involve long gestation periods. The present government has commissioned new power projects and added about 3400 MW’s to the system. Despite increase in generation, it is feared that the difference between demand and supply would touch to a remarkable figure during this summer.
As we strive to add new capacities, we have to use the available power prudently. We have to ensure that the wheels of industry and agriculture, which drive our economy, are provided electricity on priority with minimum disruption to the daily routine of a common man. Load shedding was not unknown to the country. The present wave of power outages, however, surfaced on the national horizon in 2004 when demand for electricity outstripped generation. The situation aggravated with the passage of time. The previous ones failed to add any significant capacities to the national grid.
In order to save itself from any embarrassment, the then government initially resorted to load shedding in remote areas, insulating the main urban centers from load shedding. This tactics was adopted to mislead the people about the accurate power situation. Realizing the gravity of the situation and the enormity of the challenge, the present government convened two Energy Conference, the first energy summit held in April last year and the 2nd Energy Conference held recently, which were presided over by the Prime Minister. The conference was also attended by Chief Ministers of the all the provinces, experts, and representatives of the private and public sector. The second Energy Summit after reviewing the power situation in the country approved a plan to conserve energy, as part of a short term measures to minimize the impact of shortage in power, by reduction in demand of power. The objective of the conservation plan was to save energy where possible and create an awareness on the need to use it prudently. In this connection, the conference decided to reintroduce five-day a week in all Provinces as well, closure of shops by 8.00 pm, ban on use of Air conditioners in government offices before 11 am, launching of an awareness campaign through media to educate the masses on the utility of conservation, staggering of industrial holidays, induction of energy saver bulbs, banning neon signs, and switching off alternate street lights. These measures are likely to result in saving of over 1200 MW . The adage that a megawatt (MW) saved is better than a megawatt MW produced was the moving spirit behind the conservation plan. All over the world businesses and shops close early therefore early closure of businesses and shops is critical to energy conservation , as this measure alone will save over 700 MW. In Europe and Middle East markets & shopping malls pull their shutters before dusk. The situation in our country particularly the urban cities is absurd, Shop owners start their businesses after 11`O clock and remain awake till midnight. On top of that, shopkeepers lit their shops extravagantly. Bangladesh is also facing energy crisis, traders and shopkeepers there use a single bulb/light to lit their businesses. In Pakistan, the tendency is “open the shop late and close late”. Consequently, instead of utilizing daylight which is abundantly available, electricity is being wasted by keeping businesses open after sunset.
The success of implementation of early closure of shops lies in the cooperation of traders and shopkeepers, they will have to set the trend of “open early and close early”. They should understand that the energy crisis being faced by the country imposes a civic responsibility on them to lead by example and change the present culture in keeping with international practices. Domestic and Commercial consumers in the country consume over 9,000 MW’s of electricity, a sizeable chunk of the total peak demand of 19000MW, in summers. There is ample room for saving, if we change our lifestyles and discourage extravagant use of electricity. According to experts Air conditioners and home appliances consume over 6000 MW’s of electricity. Furthermore, the consumption can be reduced by keeping AC`s thermostat at 26 degree centigrade.
Our industrial sector especially the Textile sector has carried out a comprehensive review of their energy consumption patterns. They have made great strides in energy conservation by introducing new technologies. This will lead to saving in Energy, cut costs and help lower their cost of doing business. Similarly, other industrial sectors should also introduce and adopt technologies to reduce their consumptions. Leaving lights and energy inefficient home appliances on even when they are not being used is a common practice. It is our energy-inefficient lifestyles that is in many ways responsible for the present energy crises. We have to rise above our personal and vested interests to face this energy crises through a collective national effort by changing our lifestyles. The nation has to clearly draw a line between necessities and luxuries.
