The large sums of money spent on the importation of energy into this country call for more awareness among consumers of the need to conserve and invest in renewable energy sources.{{more}}

There are, however, simple things that can be done to cut down on energy consumption, including the use of energy efficient appliances and by using 240 V equipment, therefore eliminating the need for transformers.

Speaking at the Energy Expo at Heritage Square last Saturday, Kenroy Questelles, head of the Engineering Department at the Division of Technical and Vocational Education of the Community College said that energy conservation and renewability are important discussions to have, especially in light of the high cost of fossil fuel and its limited availability.

The high energy cost in St Vincent and the Grenadines is the result of our lifestyles, he explained, so we must explore various options to help reduce this cost.

And this is what the Energy Expo set out to do.

Ricky Adams, consultant and organiser of the event, said that the idea was to try to expose the public to ways that they can conserve energy.

Those in attendance were provided with brochures, and various demonstrations which illustrated the significant difference using energy efficient equipment makes when compared with more traditional types of lighting or appliances.

“It showed that you end up paying five times more, so people have been interested in that,” Adams explained.

The event was held as part of CARICOM Energy Week.

According to Adams, regional heads decided that it was important that the issue of energy and how it is used, be discussed.

“So, three years ago, we introduced the concept of CARICOM week,” he said.

This is the second year that the event is being held, and Adams said that based on the feedback received, there was the feeling that the Expo should be shifted around to various parts of the country.

But while the idea was to create awareness about energy conservation, Questelles cautioned that some people, although opting to purchase energy efficient appliances, were guilty of leaving them on for long periods of time.

Therefore,, they do not see any changes in their electric bills.

“They need to change their whole culture,” he said.

Questelles also said that two thirds of the imported fuel is consumed by vehicles.

“So, we need to pay attention to vehicles too – vehicles with good mileage and ensure that we service them regularly.

“There is a lot we can do to reduce the amount of fuel that is imported,” he said. (DD)