The Sunday Times FT - Saving energy under a new winning formula

Sri Lanka's mounting crisis over an energy shortage has prompted the Energy Conservation Fund into action by launching the "Kevilton Power Cash" programme in an effort to promote the conservation of electricity among its consumers.

The incentive for consumers to participate in the competition is not only a cash prize but also saving money on their electricity bill which should be motivation enough, officials said last week. The Energy Conservation Fund, a statutory Board within the Ministry of Power and Energy, has already launched an awareness campaign as part of the National Programme on Energy Conservation which is being strongly supported by the private sector.

Kevilton Electrical Products (Pvt) Ltd has agreed to work in conjunction with the Energy Conservation Fund through the "Kevilton Power Cash" programme, launched on September 5 which rewards consumers for conserving energy. S.C. Weerasakera, Chief Executive Officer of the Fund, told reporters that that those who save electricity will be recognized by way of awarding cash prizes upto Rs.1000 to a chosen winner daily. In order to qualify for the competition and participate in the programme, the only stipulation is that a consumer's electricity bill must be lower than that of the previous month.

The programme's objective is to involve the public in the National Energy Conservation Programme early enough to preempt a dire energy shortage crisis in the future. "We want to encourage consumer participation and contribute to this vital cause," Weerasekera said.

Harsha Wickremasinghe of the Energy Conservation Fund said their goal is to reduce energy conservation by 20% and so far, the past two months have seen a 4% decrease in energy consumption. He added that the state sectors have been supportive in this regard. Approximately 3.2 million households in Sri Lanka are electrified. Around 2 million of those use less than 90 units of electricity a month so the cash prize award is sure to benefit them. Group Director Sunil K. Kanojia added that even if individuals do not win the competition, they will inevitably reap rewards by saving money on their electricity bill.

The Fund has printed an informative pamphlet which details ways in which consumers can conserve energy with detailed information on electricity consumption of commonly used household equipment such as televisions, fans, air conditioners, refrigerators, electric kettles and radios.