Ministry leads the way to save power

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

The Power and Energy Ministry says it has reduced its electricity consumption by 13 percent in March.

Minister Ranawaka

A ministry source said they have afforded a good example to the public on how to reduce electricity consumption, and that the "Today for Tomorrow" (Ada Wenuwen Heta) programme introduced with the aim of conserving power has proved that example is better than precept.

With the increase of world fuel prices the Public Utilities Commission has taken measures to raise electricity charges. As it has impacted on the ministry too, the Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka instructed the heads of all divisions of the ministry to reduce the electricity bill of the ministry by 10 percent.

Accordingly the ministry took steps to use the air condition from 10.00 am to 3.00 pm and switch off unnecessary bulbs. The ministry had consumed 17,694 units in January and reduced it to 15,347 in March thereby saving 2,347 units.

The Power and Energy ministry has also reduced its fuel consumption to support the country's development programme through energy conservation, ministry sources said.