02 Jun 2016

The Department of Energy (DOE) request the nation  to support government efforts to reduce energy consumption by eventually shifting completely to energy efficient lights.

A press release from DOE says that its target is to reduce energy consumption in all government buildings by at least 20 per cent, and this could  be achieved by retrofitting buildings with energy efficient lights.

The release state that in 2012, approximately one (million Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL) were installed in households and businesses to replace incandescent bulbs, and Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) estimates that this resulted in 35 MW decrease in energy demand.

It further says following up on this initiative, government through a Presidential Directive CAB 1B(B)/2015, tasked the Ministry of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources to immediately implement energy saving measures, including change in the use of incandescent bulbs by replacing them with energy saving bulbs in all government buildings.

“Although the Directive primarily targeted government buildings, the Department of Energy (DOE) also strongly advocates for an all-encompassing transition to efficient lights for all sectors including the local residential houses,” says the release.

The release explains that residential lighting in Botswana is highly coincident with peak load demand, and Incandescent lights still account for a sizable share for Botswana’s residential lighting market at all socioeconomic levels.

“To support the program the department is undertaking the following activities are incorporating Energy Efficiency Chapter in the Building Regulations, National Energy Efficiency Publicity Campaigns, and Energy Audits in Government buildings,” says the release.

The release says through Energy Efficient Lighting the government can be able to reduce public expenditure and attain improved energy security while Botswana Power Corporation can also be able to reduce peak load, capital expenditure and costs of supplying electricity. Ends