Air-conditioners in govt offices after 11 am

50 per cent lights to remain off and airc-conditioner thermostats to be set at 26 degrees.

LAHORE:

Air-conditioners shall not be switched on before 11am at provincial government offices and the thermostats will be set at 26 degree Celsius, says an electricity conservation policy approved by Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Thursday.

Fifty per cent of the lights installed in these offices should not be used during the summer months, according to the new policy.

The policy also directs the officials to turn off all electronic appliances including computers, printers and photocopiers on leaving their offices.

Only one out of three streetlights in a row would be used. Tehsil municipal authorities and development organisations have been directed to work jointly with the distribution companies to ensure that this rule is implemented. The rule applies to streetlights in the Government Officers Residences (GORs) too. Divisional commissioners would ensure its compliance in the GORs.

The new policy bars illumination of billboards, neon-signboards and other hoardings, unless powered by solar panels.

Under the new policy, bare-minimum lighting is to be used for decoration at recreational areas including trees, fountains and canals; CNG and petrol stations; restaurants and wedding ceremonies. The policy, however, does not specify the level of lighting.

The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) shall be responsible for the implementation of the directive in Lahore. In other districts, DCOs shall be in charge.

Police, local governments and highway patrols have been directed to take action against those found violating the policy.

A media campaign will soon be launched to encourage people to adopt similar conservation measures in their homes. IC&YA secretary would be responsible for the campaign.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 27^th, 2011.