First Oman-wide power, water saving campaign a success
(Oman Observer – 07 Oct 2009)
MUSCAT – Electricity Holding Company (EHC) has hailed as a major success the first ever Sultanate-wide campaign held this summer to encourage individuals and organisations across Oman to save electricity and water.
During the summer months, EHC and the Public Authority for Electricity and Water (PAEW) managed an intensive awareness campaign to encourage a significant reduction in the amount of electricity and water used during the peak period for demand and consumption.
The awareness and education campaign has been led by the distribution of news stories, adverts and direct communication, using SMS and e-mail among other methods to directly reach the Omani pulic.
EHC and PAEW provided the public and businesses with easy to understand tips and advice that can help people to make a real difference in saving electricity and water – without adversely impackting their day to day lives or business operations.
EHC Chief Executive Karl Matacz says, “We have been delighted by the response to our campaign during the summer months. This is the first time that a campaign of this nature has been lauched in the Sultanate and this will be part of a long-term awareness campaign aimed at individuals and cororations.
“EHC and PAEW have been pleased with the response received from individuals supporting the campaign and also larger organisations and bodies such as Sohar University who have thrown their whole-hearted suppor buhid this initiative.”
Matacz also congratulated and thanked the Omani media for its support with interviews and features and advice being given to readers, viewers and listeners throughout the summer.
Commenting on the wider impact of the campaign, the EHC Chief Executive added, “When lauching an awareness campaign of this nature it how much electricity and water will acutally be saved in the first year of the campaign. Our initial objective has been to create greater awareness and understanding of the issues facing the Sultanate with the very realistic objective of reducing average consumption across Oman”.
Matacz explained that the Switch to Save campaign mounted during the smmer months will be just the start of a major ongoing education and awareness process – that over time will bring real benefits and savings to the country.
By reduring consumption of water, we reduce the pressure on the need to produce more water from desalination – which is also a major consumer of electricity. Water is very precious resource in Oman’s desert climate and there are many simple ways for everyone to save water.
Electricity meanwhile needs to be produced using fossil fuels as the main generating force – but fossil fuels – be they oil, gas or even coal – cannot last forever and the conservation of electricity reduces the pressure on these diminishing natural resources.
Matacz said a major review is now being undertaken to fully assess the impact of this year’s awareness campaign to build on the solid foundations arldy in place and ensure that a continuing process of education and awreness contineus across the whole Sultanate in the weeks, months and years ahead.
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