Lowering electricity demand

BANGLADESH – The gap between demand and supply of electricity nationwide has grown to unmanageable proportions. Every article that I have read on this topic has criticized the inadequate supplies of electricity in Dhaka, as well as the rest of the country. No published article discusses the demand-side factors (i.e., ways to conserve energy). Modifying some of our decades-old habits (albeit somewhat difficult to let go), we can curb our demands to breakeven with the current supplies. Better yet, if we start practicing these conservation tactics now, in the coming summer months the projected gap between demands and supplies would be much less. As the capital city, Dhaka consumes a disproportionately high amount of electricity. Dhaka must lead the rest of the nation by being the leader in energy conservation, rather than being the leader in energy consumption!

Short-term policy changes

The following policy changes are meant to be periodic in nature. That is, during some part of the year, the policies will be in effect, and in other times these policies will be relaxed.

Dress codes: The Japan Government has recently asked its officials to avoid wearing suits and ties in the office. To lead other ministers and officials in this unconventional energy saving approach, Prime Minister Koizumi himself will not wear a suit and tie to the office this summer. The Japanese government identified that tight collars and suits prompted officials to keep air-conditioners running at the highest capacity throughout their working hours. Considering the strong fascination for suits among Japanese executives, this is a landmark approach to reduce air-conditioner usage (and thereby reduce electricity consumption).

Time adjustments: Developed (and some developing) countries of the world switch back their clocks by one hour sometime late in October and again switch their clocks ahead by one hour sometime in April. This practice, known as “daylight saving time,” was conceived by the US in response to the record-breaking energy crisis of 1973. The US government’s research has revealed that “daylight saving time” saves 1 percent electricity usage nationwide. This is because evening electricity usage is delayed, as sunset is artificially postponed by an hour. Following the US lead, other countries (e.g., Egypt, Israel, Australia, Canada, Mexico, and many European countries) have adopted this practice to reduce energy consumption.

Fewer days at work: Facing a severe energy crisis in 2001, the Brazil government mandated a four-day work-week for a temporary period. Consequently, there was a 20 percent reduction in government usage of electricity. As summer approaches in Bangladesh, and our energy crisis becomes more severe than ever, the government may consider following Brazil’s lead during the extended summer.

The Daily Star