Use of LED lights economical – GEA CEO

During a two-day National Energy Efficiency Workshop, Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) Chief Executive Officer Mahender Sharma charged persons to utilise Light-Emitting Diode (LED) lights as they were more economical.

According to the CEO, the LED lights are approximately 60 to 80 per cent more efficient, are available in different sizes and colours, and their lifespan is much longer than regular bulbs.

Sharma said too that energy efficient air conditioning systems are 50 per cent more efficient, start more quickly, are quieter, reduce voltage and most importantly, are economical.

He, therefore, encouraged participants of the workshop to make financial arrangements to obtain and install indoor and outdoor LED lights, along with energy efficient air conditioners and equipment to reduce energy costs.

Sharma assured that the GEA would be available to provide technical advice and support at all times.

Also speaking at the workshop, Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson urged consumers to make smart choices in their utilisation of energy, noting that this could save them money.

He posited that businesses could progress in terms of finance and productivity if they decided to make use of energy efficient systems.

Patterson further explained that energy efficiency would decrease the necessity for investment in energy infrastructure, cut energy bills, improve health and consumer welfare, and increase competitiveness.

Additionally, the Minister asserted that the current Administration was dedicated to the endorsement of energy efficiency, energy conservation and the development and utilisation of alternative sources of energy. As part of the second phase of the Latin American and Caribbean Energy Efficiency Programme, Government intended to place focus on achieving sustainable energy savings, as well as prioritising investment needs in the energy sector. He explained that for this to be a success, persons needed to merge and systemise activities to be undertaken by several institutions, adding that a minor change in behaviour was also vital to improve energy efficiency. Recently, the GEA carried out exercises, including the setting up of LED solar powered lights, the delivery of energy efficient stoves, the replacement of inefficient street lighting, and ongoing public awareness and education programmes.

Additionally, legislation has been amended to remove Value Added Tax (VAT) on imported compact LED lamps, to motivate energy efficient behaviours.

The participants of the workshop, hosted by the GEA, were encouraged to join the Government and the Energy Agency in their pursuit of a green economy, which is highly dependent on energy efficiency.