Are Consumers really conserving?
Author : teriann‘Turn off the lights when you leave the room.’
Those words were said a lot in my childhood, as I simply could not remember to turn the lights off when I left a room. Of course, back then the electricity bills were much lower but still represented a huge part of the family’s budget.
Fast forward to 2014, and consumers are still feeling the pinch of high electricity bills. Now that I am an adult, I am faced with paying bills that has me telling my children, “Turn off the lights!”
Are consumers more aware of the cost?
I think with the advent of the computer age, more persons are aware of things they can do to reduce their electricity bills.
I should think by now that everyone knows that along with turning off lights and plugging out chargers and any other electrical device not being used, they can also replace incandescent light bulbs with energy saving LED bulbs.
However, although consumers might know what they should be doing, they might actually choose not to do it because of several factors.
Why don’t Consumers Conserve?
Well some consumers are in denial, they still don’t recognize the fact that our energy consumption is directly related with our electricity bills. They choose to focus on complaining about their high bills without trying to solve the problem.
The cost of changing out the incandescent bulbs are to be viewed as an investment, the higher cost of the LED bulbs will be returned in lower electricity bills.
Consumers will benefit in the long run as the government has removed the five percent import duty on LED bulbs and solar water heaters.
Although consumers remain powerless to stop the monopoly Jamaica Public Service Company from hiking rates, they can make an impact on their bills by starting an aggressive programme of conservation within their own homes.
What do you think?
Are consumers really serious about conserving?
Teri Ann Renee Paisley
Gleaner Online Writer
Tags: conserve, electricity
The Gleaner reserves the right not to publish comments that may be deemed libelous, derogatory or indecent.
To respond to The Gleaner please use the feedback form.
2 Responses to “Are Consumers really conserving?”
Leave a Reply
- Paper or plastic? How has Jamaica benefited?
- 7 ways to live Green!
- Pet Care Basics – How to keep your pet healthy!
- 10 things to consider when buying a car!
- Delivery options – Navigating the shipping world!
- Rolling with the punches! Businesses need to reinvent their products and services.
- Getting to the meat of the matter! Are vegetarian consumers being accommodated?
- Making financial goals that are attainable!
- The do’s and don’ts of using social media!
- How to enjoy your ‘staycation’!
Agriculture
Gavel
Have your say
Iconsumer
Motor sports
Social Impact
Sports
I don’t believe the leaders care
about what JPS does to the ppl,
No one or two company should have
a monopoly on any service, JAs
ought to be able to choose.
JPS knows they are in the driver seat,
no matter how much one conserve the
bills never go down even with the
constant black-outs again once or twice
weekly, it has become a thing where upon
getting up one has to check emails asap
then shower before the utilities go.
This type of service leads to low morale
and consumers at times wonder why bother
nothing changes in the bill.
We have retirees that have worked hard
& contributed to society, and JPS is
telling ppl to buy a recommended brand of refrigerator how can anyone afford it
especially our aging society?
Jamaicans pays the highest in energy Y
who looks out for us?
Stealing light is a crime, but someone
dropped the ball when we the paying
customers are being told we are paying
high prices due to these ppl when in fact
many Ministries are owing large sums for
many years, don’t we end up paying for
them and other businesses stealing light?
Yes we can keep turning off the light in
every room as we leave , unplug the fridge
for 8 hours a day (as we do), do not watch
TV before 8;PM but have seen no changes.
I have a generator I think I will start
trying to use at least 3 days a week with
the new increase.
I think JAs should start having kids come
in do homework early, get together and do *lights out JAMAICA* for a month, use lamps
flashlights, get to reconnect with each other
in the homes. Just boycott JPS for a month
(Well unfortunately its just a pipe dream we
are not that united, organized, or care if we
can pay…clubs, shops, bars,pronoters would
never participate)……JPS rule we need two
more light companies in the country
Yes it is always better when consumers have a choice, monopolies are a strain but in the meantime let’s continue to do what we can to conserve!