The heat season that is often experienced in the Upper East Region every year is with us once again, but this time much earlier than expected.
The heat season comes between March and early May each
year. It is normally associated I with warm air, hot and sunny with varied temperatures
around 38 to 42 degree Celsius depending on the day.
At night, people find it difficult to sleep. It is believed that the heat season is necessary
and must come as it induces rainfall for the impending farming season.
However, people are advised to conserve energy because
during this season, there is excessive use of energy as people often resort to
the continuous use of fan and air conditioners throughout the day.
Research has shown that about 30 to 40 percent of
energy purchased go waste due to inefficient use of electricity.
Leaving electronic gadgets on while not in use contribute
greatly to energy loss. Energy conservation therefore saves the consumer
money.
The Upper East Area Manager of the Northern
Electricity Distribution Company NEDCo, Ms. Lucy Perbi-Nyarko who disclosed this
to Radio Ghana in Bolgatanga said, as the heart season approaches, normal
consumption of electricity of every household will change due to the constant use
of electrical appliances.
She cited for
instance that an air conditioner of about 1,500 watts will consume one unit of
electricity in 40 minutes and a fan of 70 watts will consume same in 14 hours due
to the prolong use of these appliances during the warm period as compared to
the harmatthan season.
She stated that energy conservation should be seen as
a way of life and practice consciously and continuously in order to save energy.
Ms Perbi –Nyarko further advised consumers to switch off
electrical appliances when not in use. She said they consume between 15-25
watts when gargets are left on standby alone, even phone chargers consume power
when left unplugged after charging.
She moreover advised consumers to replace their old
bulbs with energy saving ones, purchase energy star appliances, iron in bulk,
keep fridges doors closed, and totally avoid the use of coiled heaters as it
consumes about 850-1500 watts of electricity, which she noted was a recipe for fire disaster.
Ms Perbi-Nyarko however, explained that the benefits
of conserving energy during the warm season, will save households money and
improve the economy, the environment and national security.
She observed that energy efficiency enhances the
quality of life and for those using pre-paid meters, it is advisable for them
to desist from buying more than they need within a month because of the tariff
structure and the notion that purchasing units on the first of every month
gives more.
GBC
