RIYADH: Muslims must cut traditionally high electricity use during Ramadan in line with the principles of austerity and self-control they are supposed to adopt in this month, economists say.
Economist Al-Sadeq Idris said energy use increases during Ramadan because people use air-conditioning more during the day and light bulbs at night, a local publication reported recently.
Idris said this causes a lot of waste especially when the equipment does not conform to government energy saving specifications. He said the campaign run by the Saudi Center for Energy Efficiency (SCEE) “Advise Me,” highlights the religious and economic importance of saving resources. He urged imams to highlight this in their sermons.
Abdulrahman Baashin, president of the Middle East Economic Study Center, said people must commit to saving energy in Ramadan. He said there is a 50 percent spike in consumption compared to other months because people switch on more air conditioners, light bulbs and other electrical equipment. He stressed the importance of abiding by rationing campaigns.
Economist Abdulrahman Al-Ata said Ramadan is meant to glorify God’s teachings, so people should save energy and money. He called on imams to spread this message. He said people should buy equipment that meet government’s energy saving specifications, use insulation in their houses, and reduce car fuel consumption.
The SCEE launched its campaign because of high energy use by individuals and businesses in the country. The building sector consumes 80 percent of Saudi electricity production, of which 70 percent is for air-conditioning. There has been a positive response to the campaign on social media.
Energy consumption is 4.2 million barrels of oil per day currently and is expected to rise to more than 8 million by 2030. The energy efficiency drive is expected to save about 20 percent of that projected consumption, or roughly 1.5 million barrels per day, Arab News reported earlier this year.
The government has already introduced new regulations for refrigerators and freezers, air-conditioners, household appliances and cars.
Muslims urged to cut power use
