AN analysis of sectoral energy consumption revealed that the power sector accounted for the second largest share of energy imports in 2012. Accounting for an estimated 33% of the petroleum imports, this sector comprises of electricity generation, mainly from the country’s national electric utility, and a number of other small generation facilities (including self-generation) across the country.Lighting is a seemingly inconspicuous and often overlooked element within a building’s infrastructure; yet it is estimated that electric lighting burns up to 25% of the average home’s energy budget and it can actually account for as much as 30-40% of a typical commercial building’s energy costs. Energy conservation and efficiency practices, once adopted, can assist in lowering electricity costs.

What then is energy conservation and efficiency? Energy conservation refers to the saving of energy by any means, including energy efficiency, while energy efficiency is the efficient conversion and use of energy. Energy efficiency employs devices and practices which result in less energy being used for the same task and function. Hence, using energy efficient lights provides an opportunity for significant cost savings through reduced electricity bills.

Tremendous evolvement of lighting technology over the past two decades has resulted in the availability of a host of exciting, high performing and highly efficient new lighting products. Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) and Light Emitting Diode (LED) lamps are available in a variety of sizes, shapes and colours thereby allowing for choice of lighting to be both attractive and efficient. Replacing incandescent lamps with CFLs or LED lamps provides an opportunity to save money and cut down on electricity costs.

However, to truly maximize its efficiency it is important to choose the correct type of CFLs for lighting needs. When deciding on lighting fixtures consideration should therefore be given to the area that is to be lit. For example a lower wattage could be used to light a passage way while one of a higher wattage could be used in the living room and areas where more lighting is required. Further, a lot of energy could be saved by concentrating lights just where they are needed and reducing background or ambient light levels. This strategy, called task lighting, is widely used in office buildings, but it makes just as much sense to employ it in homes as well.

Making use of natural light is also another way to conserve energy. In terms of energy use, nothing is more efficient than transforming a dark space by filling it with soft, evenly dispersed natural light. A single skylight or properly positioned window can provide as much light as dozens of light bulbs during the daylight hours. Simply rearranging furniture in a room can optimize the benefit of natural light, for example, putting a favourite reading chair closer to a window. Painting walls in a light color and using reflective louvers or Venetian blinds can help to improve overall lighting.

As the Christmas season approaches energy can be conserved by turning off decorative lights when retiring to bed and during the day. USING LED (Light Emitting Diode) decorative lights instead of the regular filament light can also help to lower electricity bills.

To further conserve energy you can:

> UNDERSTAND your own preferences and those of your family members before investing in unnecessary lighting solutions.
> Install task lights where needed and reduce ambient light elsewhere. If work is concentrated in one corner of the room, for instance at a desk, consider DIMMING the lights throughout the room and using specific task lights while at your desk.
> Make sure that you MATCH the amount and quality of light to the task at hand. When you are performing tasks that require a high degree of visual attention, ensure that there is adequate lighting to prevent eyestrain.
> Maximize the use of natural lighting. Sunny days may help improve your mood, and they reduce your electric bill when you open the curtains and LET THE SUN SHINE IN!
> Consider Painting your walls a lighter colour. This helps to minimize the need for artificial lighting.
> Use 4 feet Fluorescent Fixtures for areas that require extensive lighting.
> Use occupancy sensors for automatically turning on and off your lights as needed.
> Security and utility lighting do not need to be bright to be effective. As a security measure, use motion sensor lights in areas where you have walkways or where you wish to have greater security.
> Make sure outdoor light fixtures have reflectors, deflectors, or covers to make more efficient use of the light source.
> Use photo sensors or timers to automatically turn off lights during daylight hours and motion sensors to activate security or utility lighting where needed.
> Invest In: Light Socket Switches that carry switches, so that appliances and lights plugged into the outlets can be turned off with the flip of a switch.
By making the extra effort to maximize your lighting efficiency you will not only save money by lowering your electricity bill but help to reduce Green House Gas Emissions that cause Global Climate Change!
You can learn more about energy conservation at www.gea.gov.gy