Fahad Al-Jubeir, Eastern Province (EP) mayor, has revealed that the municipality is moving steadily toward implementing a system to reduce electricity consumption in the province.
The program is expected to curb the increasing levels of electricity consumption by rationalizing the excessive utilization of street lights.
“We plan to cut back on energy consumption by partially turning off street light poles after midnight, in view of the fact that these streets are usually uninhibited during the night,” explained the mayor. He indicated that the light poles will be switched on and off via an astronomical clock installed in the system.
Al-Jubeir was speaking during a workshop, which was recently organized by the EP Municipality in cooperation with the Saudi Electricity Company, on thermal installation systems.
He pointed out that field studies of the lighting network and density of pedestrian and vehicle traffic will be conducted, to determine the frequency and proportion of street lights that will be rationalized.
“We will also take into account the allowed lighting density inside cities and traffic safety regulations,” he added.
Regarding thermal systems, he emphasized that the installation of thermal systems has become mandatory for housing and residential units.
“We are relying on the awareness of citizens regarding this important issue. In the upcoming period, construction permits will not be granted and services will not be provided to any building unless the landlord has installed a thermal isolation system,” he stressed.
Abdulhamid Al-Nuaim, head of the eastern sector electricity in the EP, said using thermal isolation systems reduce electricity consumption in air conditioners by 40 percent.
“Thermal isolation reduces hot air leaks through the walls and ceilings, which are directly exposed to sun and typically the greatest sources of heat inside houses,” he said.
In addition to decreasing energy consumptions in air conditioners, he noted, electrical appliances will last longer.
He indicated that 75,000 subscribers have already applied for the thermal isolation system in their homes, adding, “The electricity company will visit the construction sites of buildings an average of three times to ensure thermal systems are installed and notify the municipality in order to complete the licensing procedures necessary to fulfil the mandatory regulations.”
Nasser Al-Mudhafar, director of development control at the municipality, said granting the necessary licenses will be the shared responsibility of the EP Municipality and the Saudi Electricity Company.
“Electricity services will only be provided to residential units after inspection teams ensure the thermal isolation system has been installed,” noted Al-Mudhafar.
Meanwhile, Sameer Al-Qaseer, director of the Information and Computer Center at the EP municipality, said his department has developed an electronic system to link the data boards of the municipality and the Saudi Electricity Company together.
The workshop discussed many issues including the importance of installing thermal isolation systems, energy rationalization, and other related issues.
EP moves to streamline utilization of streetlights
