AS a consumer advocate, the article “Power demand soars in peninsula after heatwave” (NST, March 12) interested me.
What’s more, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) said the high demand would not affect the reliability of power supply as it has sufficient generation capacity. This pleased many people.
TNB said the high consump-
tion was caused by the hot weather.
We have to find ways to cool our surroundings artificially.
It is difficult to brave the sweltering days and nights without air-conditioners.
Hence, we should reduce heat penetration. An insulated house can reduce the effect of higher temperatures.
It also cuts down on electricity usage in buildings and homes.
Insulation is a sustainable product when you take into consideration the lifespan of buildings.
Unlike other energy-saving steps that require significant lifestyle changes or financial commitments, installation and maintenance for insulation are not only simple but affordable.
I suggest that houses set the temperature of their air-conditioning units to 24°C.
Consumers can also use fans. I do not mind shopping in places that use fans, but there should be enough ventilation.
People should clean their air-conditioners regularly and change the filters.
However, we have to save energy. It is our duty to save the environment.
The more energy we use, the more we pay.
I recommend the use of compact fluorescent bulbs instead of incandescent ones.
We should draw curtains and blinds to keep out sunlight.
Switch off appliances and remove sockets to cut off standby-power use.
If you can, install energy-efficient appliances in your home. And please turn off computers, laptops and TV sets when they are not in use.
BULBIR SINGH,
Seremban, Negri Sembilan
