Public urged to use energy more efficiently
Public urged to use energy more efficiently
The Lao Minister of Energy and Mines has called on all electricity users to use energy efficiently and avoid lavish or unnecessary use as much as possible.
Mr Soulivong Daravong made the call during a speech on the occasion of World Energy Day which is marked today in many countries around the world.
World Energy Day celebrations take place every year with various activities and events to remind the world about the importance of energy, its positive impact on all aspects of social and economic development, and the importance of using it efficiently and reasonably.
Alongside that, it also supports the goal to promote the development of more sustainable sources of energy.
Mr Soulivong said Laos considers modern energy supplies such as electricity and fuel for people across the country as a high priority in policy terms, which are critical to national poverty eradication efforts and the country’s goal to escape least developed country status.
The minister highlighted the rapid growth of energy use in the country. For example, in 1995, only 128,000 families in Laos used electricity, accounting for 17 percent of families across the country.
He said the Lao government has set a target to achieve permanent access to electricity for 90 percent of families by 2020.
“In 2014, we’ve achieved a lot and 87 percent of families now have access to permanent electricity,” Mr Soulivong said. “In the meanwhile, we also have adequate fuel in stock to serve transportation nationwide which it is different compared to the previous ten years.”
The minister stressed that electricity generation and services in Laos is structured firmly in the direction of renewable energies such as hydropower.
“Hydropower construction can be friendly to the environment, nature and society,” he said. “In addition, it is a favourable income source for development in other sectors, rural development, and enhancing people’s livelihoods together.”
“Although we achieved much in energy supply such as the installation of electric transmission lines and petrol stations into villages nationwide, we still face challenges and try to use energy thriftily, safely and effectively in order to generate enough power to supply industry and guarantee services.”
Thus, we should increase our efforts to supply energy with sustainability, reasonable price, balance, and continuous supply. We also have to to ensure it will be an effective investment towards socioeconomic development and sustainable use of precious natural resources, so that they remain for our children in future,” Mr Soulivong added.
The minister said he hopes that this World Energy Day will help prompt everyone to consider the many benefits and values of energy and that together they will use energy efficiently and also avoid lavish consumption as much as possible.
World Energy Day was endorsed by 54 countries around the globe as well as representatives of the United Nations, Arab League and the African Union, through the Dubai Declaration, on October 22, 2012.
vientiane times
