ISLAMABAD: Industries should focus on energy conservation by promoting the use of energy-efficient equipment and machinery that will help in saving sufficient energy and making more power available for manufacturing units to enhance productivity.
This was said by Islamabad Electric Supply Company Chief Executive Officer Malik Yousaf Awan while addressing a seminar on energy conservation at the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The seminar was organised by IESCO in collaboration with National Energy Conservation Centre (ENERCON) and ICCI. A large number of industrialists and traders were present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, the IESCO chief said the government was making serious efforts to improve power generation and promote energy conservation in order to bridge the demand-and-supply gap. He said the industrial sector was consuming about 38 percent of the nation’s commercial energy and it should contribute towards energy saving that would reduce energy wastage, improve productivity and international competitiveness of our economy.
He said that IESCO was in process of rehabilitating power network and streetlights in the local markets to address the power supply issues of the business community.
In his welcome address, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Muzzamil Hussain Sabri said that energy shortage was taking a heavy toll on the business and industries and all possible means should be adopted to conserve maximum energy to run the wheel of economy smoothly. He said the government should reduce duties on the import of energy efficient lights and equipment to bring them in the reach of common man that would help in saving sufficient energy.
He said electricity demand in Pakistan is rising by 8 to 10 percent annually, while power generation remained almost stagnant for the last many years, creating a big gap in demand and supply. In these circumstances, it was essential to take pragmatic steps not only to generate more electricity, but also to reduce demand through energy conservation. He said government should launch massive awareness campaigns on energy conservation for general public using all media options that would change the attitudes and lifestyles of people to conserve more energy. He assured that business community would cooperate with the government in energy conservation measures for improving the national economy.
The representatives of ENERCON gave a detailed presentation on energy conservation tips. They said up to 25 percent annual energy could be saved in all sectors and Pakistan could yearly save $5 billion by promoting energy conservation. They said energy conservation measures could save 25 percent energy in industry, 20 percent in transport and agriculture and 30 percent in buildings.
