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Saturday, 1 February 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The booklet was officially presented by Hayleys Lighting Managing Director and Hayleys PLC Director Sarath Ganegoda to Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Power and Energy Upali Daranagama who was the first recipient at the launch conference setting the stage for this educative initiative in building a sustainable and a greener future. The booklet was also handed over to Senior Energy Consultant M.S. Jayalath and Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority Director General Dr. ThusithaSugathapala.
Saving is an important part of life. From ancient times of agrarian society the prudent, the wise, the progressive people were those who saved. This holds true today in an environment of escalating costs.
The increased electricity tariff of the recent past has become an important area that demands saving. An almost impossible task, yet if one is smart there are ways to get great savings in this area. A considerable share of a household expense is spent on electricity, so the first step is to start saving on the electricity bill. Saving on electricity does not necessarily mean that one has to stay in the dark, unplug the fridge, stop using 
labour saving devices or go around with crushed clothes. There are several smart ways that can be employed to ensure ‘life as usual’ and yet control the electricity units consumed. Initiating a few simple steps can amazingly reduce the electricity bill.
Moral obligation to society
Reducing the electricity bill is not only important to personal finance management but also a moral obligation to society. Energy sources are limited, especially fossil fuel and hydro which contributes significantly with 63% and 34% respectively towards the generation of electricity in Sri Lanka. Due to this fact, the generation of electricity has become expensive. The recent hike in electricity tariffs have sent shock waves that have got people scuttling to switch off and reduce consumption to such a degree that it has eroded the lifestyle of many.
Keeping the electricity bill down whilst saving energy is the way forward and the future. Hence being aware of the most efficient ways to use electricity has great bearing on personal savings, lifestyles and a country’s 
future.
“It is for this very reason that Hayleys Lighting initiated a public awareness message by publishing the booklet titled ‘Save Electricity – Save Money’ which would be distributed free to households. This booklet highlights the many ways in which savings could be gained by simply employing smart ways of doing things that cut down unnecessary electricity consumption. Many people are not aware of these simple but effective ways to save. When implemented the savings roll-in throughout the day from many tasks that otherwise would have an adverse impact on the electricity consumption” said Hayleys Lighting Chief Executive Officer Abdul Zubair.
“This public awareness initiative has been done in collaboration with Philips Lighting. Philips is a global brand that has been committed to consumer centric and green technologies which have resulted in meaningful and innovative technologies that help people to be healthy, live well and enjoy life. Hayleys’ association with this global brand has been since 1983 and Philips together with Hayleys has always been mindful of sustainability and social responsibility. We see the booklet initiative as yet another step in contributing towards this endeavour,” said Hayleys Lighting and Director of Hayleys PLC Managing Director Sarath Ganegoda.
With the need for urgent action to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions, the latest data from Philips highlights the opportunity for emission reductions by switching to energy efficient lighting. By 2020, Philips predicts that 30% less energy will be used for lighting compared to 2006 as a result of the adoption of energy efficient lighting. These savings represent a 515 million ton reduction in CO2 emissions. – Pix by Lasantha Kumara
