Electricity crisis: PESCO calls for energy conservation

Asks consumers to resort to optimal power usage during summer

PESHAWAR:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s electricity distributer has called for energy conservation in order to overcome the power crisis.

As summer continues its onslaught, most areas of the province have begun experiencing prolonged power outages. The Peshawar Electric Supply Company (Pesco) has cited optimal use as the only possible solution to the crisis at hand.

Embrace the heat

In a statement issued on Thursday, Pesco Spokesperson Shaukat Afzal said the company is taking all possible measures to increase its efficiency but consumers will also have to shoulder the responsibility. He said the crisis can only be overcome if electricity is consumed responsibly — especially during the peak hours between 6pm and 11pm.

Electricity hacks

Afzal said energy savers should be used instead of regular light bulbs. He requested commercial consumers to stop business activity by 8pm every day. He said the move will reduce consumption by 25%. Afzal added all shopping centres and marketplaces should honour the call for the greater good.



Meanwhile, government departments have also been requested to not use air conditioners before 11am and maintain their thermostat at 26°C only. He requested petrol pump, wedding hall, jewellery shop and recreation centre owners to avoid the use of decorative lights. “Saving a unit of electricity is equivalent to generating a unit,” he said.

Afzal said line losses and electricity theft are another obstruction. He requested consumers to clear unpaid dues and not resort to unfair means for obtaining electricity.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 15^th, 2015.