Energy awareness exercise: a tremendous success – Vinlec CEO

The energy awareness exercise conducted by the St Vincent and the Grenadines Electricity Services (VINLEC), was a tremendous success.{{more}}

So says Thornley Myers, Chief Executive Officer of the company, which staged the recently concluded three-month exhibition, on energy awareness and conservation methods, at the Voyager building in Kingstown.

Myers, in an interview with SEARCHLIGHT at VINLEC headquarters on Tuesday, said that the objectives of the exhibition were achieved, and the success of the project depended mainly on public involvement, with which his company was quite satisfied.

“We wanted to show customers how much energy is consumed by different types of appliances. For example, you must know that in any given instant, an iron uses more electricity than a fridge; of course, overall, you may find the fridge may use more energy in a given month….

“Secondly, we wanted them to be able to manage their energy use by seeing how appliances consume energy…. We were able to show customers how different sizes and different qualities of transformers consume different of energy when they are plugged in but not in use….”

The CEO said that the public got a “hands on” education on how to use what appliances they had in an energy efficient manner, with many customers asking for a repeat of the exhibition in the future, and in other locations.

“We were able to demonstrate to customers how different appliances used energy, and that practical demonstration of how energy is used, we were hoping would aid customers in better understanding how their electricity bill is put together, and how to use appliances at maximum energy saving potential.”

He said while consideration would be given to hosting another showcase, VINLEC will continue its energy awareness and conservation drives, through conventional use of the media.

Myers also pointed out that the companies that partnered with VINLEC also played an important role in the success of the exhibition.

“To put on an exhibition like the type that we put on here, required the participation of the business community, and moreso those who are specifically involved in the importation of electro-domestic appliances.

“Without their support and cooperation, we certainly would not have been possible. They willingly participated; we didn’t have to coerce anyone into getting involved. they came on board and became active partners….”

Myers thanked C.D. Veira Ltd (Singer), Courts St Vincent Limited, Finishing and Furnishing, Trotman’s Electronics and Aces Caribbean, and also Voyager for the use of the building to host the exhibition.

His biggest thanks were for the thousands of persons whom he said came, saw and may be on their way to conquering their high electricity bills.

He said that the information gathered from the comments made by the public would be used to further educate the public, as well as to guide suppliers on more energy efficient appliances that are available.(JJ)