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Compiled by the Government Communication and Information System --------------------------------------------------------------- Date: 28 May 2006 Title: Households, motorists urged to save energy --------------------------------------------------------------- By Thapelo Sakoana, tel: (012) 314-2287 Johannesburg - Minerals and Energy Minister Lindiwe Hendricks says although various stakeholders have mounted energy efficiency campaigns, energy saving has not become a way of life to many South Africans - including motorists. Speaking during the 17th annual eta awards for energy efficiency here, Ms Hendricks said that her department would take steps to phase out the use of certain classes of incandescent light bulbs in the country. This could be seen as a major step towards reducing the electricity demands in the country, in the light of the current economic boom. These bulbs are believed to be energy wasteful and would be replaced with the Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs). According to manufacturers of CFLs, the bulbs use 25 percent of electricity than traditional bulbs, and produce the same amount of required light. If properly used, some of these bulbs can last up to seven years. "The implication is that in the near future the normal high voltage light bulbs that we buy in the supermarket will no longer be stacked, rather shall see these energy efficient CFLs that use a fifth of the energy and last up to six times longer, being made available." While the reduction of electricity consumption was important, Ms Hendricks also called on motorists to save on fuel - another form of energy. "With the current high oil and petrol prices, and with another hike in the petrol price expected at the beginning of next month, motorists should be following the many fuel saving tips we have given out over the past few months," she said. The tips include closing the car's windows when driving as an open window creates a drag that increases fuel consumption by as much as 20 percent. Sponsored by Eskom, the eta awards seek to reward proven application of sound energy efficiency principles, which reduce energy use and are environment friendly. Entries were received early this year in nine categories. These are: agricultural, industrial, commercial, Energy Services Company of the year, women in industry, women in community and young designers, academic team and residential. The winner in the energy services company of the year category, HVAC International, has demonstrated effective measures of saving energy through technology. The company uses the unique Real Time Energy Management System, an onsite Information Management System as well as the Sentinel System. These systems achieve load reduction, energy efficiency and electricity cost reductions for clients in the mining and industrial sectors. Three young girls, all aged 12, also invented a brilliant idea that won an award for their school in the Young Designers category. Ndondo Khoza, Nobantu Madonsela and Nomathamsanqa Ngwenya have won the award for the Ntokozweni Primary School of Kwa-Thema, Springs in Gauteng for their project "Fuel Bricks". The brick is made from a mixture of newspapers and water. When dry, the bricks are a source of fuel for cooking as well as heating and could be used as freezer space fillers. Speaking to BuaNews after receiving the award, Ndondo expressed her joy and attributed their success to the support of educators and fellow learners at her school. "This was our first entry and we are coming back next year," she said. Eskom chief executive Thulani Gcabashe also urged South Africans to use alternative energy especially the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Deputy Minister for Minerals and Energy Lulu Xingwana last month announced that her department was in discussions with the petroleum and gas industries to look at means of making LPG appliances as well as services more affordable - especially to rural areas and informal settlements. -BuaNews |
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