THINKING of ways to beat your auto energy consumption while contributing positively to saving the environment? Well, take time out to hear from the competent authority.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Energy Agency, Dr. Mahender Sharma recommends “the rational and efficient use of energy” as a unique opportunity to protect the environment and at the same time save money.

He has proposed some simple lifestyle choices that result in energy saving, while helping to reduce cost and simultaneously allowing every citizen to play a critical role in helping to protect the environment.

“By increasing awareness of energy-saving opportunities, we can lower our fuel bills without sacrificing our comforts,” Dr. Sharma told persons gathered for the commissioning of the Ross Rubis Service Station at Ruimveldt, East Bank Demerara on Wednesday.

He said that while there are many opportunities in the home and office for saving energy, it would also be appropriate to talk about energy-saving opportunities in the transportation sector.

He proposed a list of simple actions or measures that can improve efficient fuel consumption, namely:
* Removing excess weight from the vehicle;
* ensuring properly inflated tyres and routine maintenance;
* planning your day to combine errands into one trip;
* avoiding unnecessary idling and revving of the engine prior to take-off;
* warming up the engine by driving the vehicle’ and
* avoiding excessive speed.

Dr. Sharma concedes that the cost of energy plays a significant role in our lives, making it imperative that opportunities for the reduced use of energy be explored.

“As a country,” he said, “we are still largely dependent on imported fossil-based energy sources.
“Nevertheless, opportunities exist for us to reduce our dependence.”