Muscat – During the scorching summer months, electricity consumption peaks as air-conditioners work around the clock. Managing electricity consumption during summers in Oman is an ongoing challenge requiring the collective efforts of the government, businesses and individuals. With the mercury often crossing 40°C, air conditioning is an absolute necessity in homes, offices, shopping malls and cars, leading to a significant surge in energy usage. What measures can be adopted to reduce electricity consumption during summers? Here’s what Muscat Daily readers said –

Ruskeen S
Sales Manager
Change of certain habits will help. First, a simple measure will be to put unwanted lights off during daytime. Use ACs in living rooms and sit together with family members instead of using individual ACs in each room. Replace old power consuming electrical and electronics products with less power consuming LED and 5-star products.

Muzakkir Ahmed Syed
Pharmacist
Remember to turn off the lights when exiting a room and consider utilising LED lighting. Additionally, opt for energy-efficient appliances and strive to minimise water usage.

Sabra al Maskari
Government employee
There are many steps that can be taken to reduce electricity consumption during summers, including educating the whole family and communities on how to save electricity cost via media and public awareness. Along with this, people must take steps to reduce water-heating expenses, use solar energy facilities, replace light bulbs and instal programmable thermostats. Some of the other methods can be using energy-efficient appliances and upgrade HVAC systems, using toaster-ovens instead of ovens, using natural light and servicing air conditioners. Also, one can use fans instead of ACs.

Zainab Sagar
Housewife
Relying solely on solar panels can be inconvenient. Implementing solar panels everywhere would impose a financial burden on the government. Instead, we could launch an initiative where we kindly request all families in Oman to voluntarily switch off their lights, air conditioners, refrigerators and other appliances for one hour. This candlelight hour would be a choice rather than a mandate, allowing us to reminisce about the good old days and also encourage family gatherings.

Kanika Sharma
Marketing specialist
Power off unused electronics to prevent unnecessary electricity consumption. Instal efficient solar panels for long-term savings; these do not stop working under cloudy skies. Upgrade old air conditioning units with newer models that offer energy-efficient features. Improve home insulation. The more you insulate, the less you will rely on air conditioning and heating systems. Use curtains and drapes on all windows to manage indoor temperatures effectively. Consider switching to carpeted floors to enhance home insulation.

Mohtesan Maqsood
Private sector employee
It is important to purchase eco-friendly electronic devices and practise turning off unnecessary lights, fans and ACs. We must educate our children and society about the significance of responsible electricity consumption and usage.

Mohamed Asiq
HSE engineer
Some techniques to achieve this can be to take advantage of the cool breeze by opening windows and using fans during early morning and late evening hours. Keep windows and blinds closed during the hottest part of the day to keep out heat. Another can be to raise the temperature a few degrees to reduce the workload on your air conditioner. Each degree increase can result in significant energy savings. Some of the other techniques can be to use energy-efficient ceiling fans to create a cooling effect in rooms; regularly clean or replace air filters to ensure optimal performance; when purchasing appliances like air conditioners, fans and refrigerators, opt for energy-efficient models with the Energy Star label; avoid using appliances such as ovens, dryers and dishwashers during the hottest part of the day to prevent additional heat in your home, and use energy-efficient lighting, such as LED bulbs, to minimise heat production.