Editorial – Power use tips

THE Mindanao power crisis is raging at the peak of the summer months when consumers are in need of more energy to run air-conditioning units, freezers and similar home appliances. Use of electricity will dramatically increase when schoolchildren take their summer vacation, which means that they will have more leisure time to watch television and play computer games.
The summertime period is expected to exacerbate the already declining agricultural productivity brought about by the El Nino phenomenon which is not expected to ease up until sometime in June yet.
Already, majority of the cities and provinces in Mindanao, the region which has felt the brunt of the energy crisis, are experiencing rotating brownouts lasting anywhere from two hours (Davao City) to as long as eight hours (Gen. Santos City).
Desperate, the government and the private sector are taking steps to correct the deteriorating situation, including the declaration by the President of a state of calamity in Mindanao.
Fortunately for us, ordinary consumers, we are not totally helpless in the face of the crisis. We can still contribute our share in alleviating the power crisis by practicing these simple tips in the efficient and wise use of electricity as suggested by the Department of Trade and Industry. The tips were first carried by the Business Mirror last week. They are:
1.  Keep it a habit to always turn off lights and electrical appliances when not in use.
2.   Unplug electronic devices and chargers when they are not in use.
3.  Use compact flourescent lights (CFLs), instead of incandescent bulbs.
4.   Use only energy-efficient devices.
5.   Maximize electric lighting by painting your rooms in bright colors.
6.    Wash and iron clothing in full loads.
7.    Control your air-conditioner’s thermostat setting to match your desired temperature.
8.    If you are cooking with an electric stove, always use a cover as you let water boil or the food simmer.
9.    Thaw frozen food thoroughly before cooking+.
10.  Using two refrigerators can be costly, so try to do away with the older one.
11.  Always keep the refrigerator door closed and make sure it is sealed airtight.
12.  Strategically plant trees, shrubs and vines in a manner that would cut  the amount of heat entering through thje windows, especially in areas where the sun rises and sets.
But of course, there’s no prohibition to add to the above your own tips.