MUSCAT: Listening intently to a thought-provoking speech by Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Mahrouqi, chairman of Board of Directors of Electricity Holding Company, a gathering of more than 60 ministers, CEOs, dignitaries and VIPs were in no doubt of Oman’s determination to generate awareness of energy conservation in the Sultanate.

In a launch event that attracted VIPs from Oman’s government, local corporations and multinationals, Electricity Holding Company (EHC) presented its vision for the summer of 2010 in the form of Save Energy Oman.

Beginning its campaign with pledges from several local organisations Save Energy Oman is already off to a great start, with 30 per cent of the attendees pledging their support during the event.

“The importance of these pledges is paramount to the cause of the success of the campaign.

“Without the support and implementation programme of the ministries, multinational organisations and large corporations, the goal of bringing Oman’s consumers on board would be virtually impossible to achieve,” says Karl Matacz, chief executive officer of Electricity Holding Company.

A campaign that recruits businesses as its pioneers, Save Energy Oman is challenging every resident of the Sultanate to reduce their electricity bill this year by turning their air conditioning temperature to 23 degrees.

Yesterday evening Shangrila Ballroom was awash with dignitaries, all keen to hear more about the latest environmental initiative in Oman.

During the function, guests were asked to sign up businesses to the campaign, implement changes within their organisation and become pioneers of the Save Energy Oman campaign. Al Mahrouqi urged businesses to come on board and support the drive.

“As leaders of the government and business we will be the catalyst for change. We will take control and responsibility, leading from the front ”, he said.

Later, a short animation film featuring Noor, the White Oryx and figurehead of the Save Energy Oman campaign was shown with Noor talking about the importance of saving electricity in both businesses and households. She then went on to ask the guests to pledge their commitment to the national cause on that very night.

Karl Matacz of EHC said, “Pledges play an important role in the campaign as they will not only implement these changes in their organisations and ministries but will also act as an example to the end users — consumers”.