EDITORIAL: Where Are the Energy-Saving Bulbs?

Over two weeks ago the Energy Commission and Energy Foundation commissioned the energy-saving fluorescent lights project at Suhum in the Eastern Region. It's been quiet ever since.

We are rather concerned because it is one project we are told would help to considerably bring down our electricity consumption thereby reducing the strain on the Akosombo Hydroelectric Dam.

We have been reliably informed that all or most of the 6 million or so energy-saving fluorescent lights ordered to replace the power hungry incandescent ones are in, so why are we wasting time?

We are in an electric energy crisis and must therefore act with the kind of dispatch needed in crisis situations. The Volta Lake looks like it is being disappointed again by the rains so it's not likely that it would fill up this season to improve things.

We are, it already looks like, in for the long haul. The Bui Dam and the nuclear energy projects put forward by the government are long term programmes, but what we need now are short to medium projects hence our interest in these energy-saving initiatives.

Whilst we are at it, we must also say that we are rather disappointed that there is no sustained public education on energy conservation. We still leave lights on when we do not need them, air conditioners whirr day and night often conditioning nothing, our road sides are taken over by so called home second hand electric energy sapping gadgets that have been discarded in Europe, the US and elsewhere, etc.

There is a lot to be done to get a handle on this electricity problem - much of it would depend on just how much social animation there is, so let us not tarry!