Concerned authorities are working on legislation that will make Bahrain more energy efficient.
One such law will make the use of low consumption electrical appliances mandatory, said Rana Saloum, Director of Electricity and Water Authority (EWA).
The authority is working along with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry towards the goal of reducing electricity demand and accompanying monthly bills for homes, she added.
Saloum, in a statement, said the focus was largely on air conditioners.
"This appliance (ACs) which is part of every home is singularly responsible for over 60 per cent of electricity consumption in a house," she explained.
Engineer Fahmi bin Ali Al Jowdar, Minister of Works and supervising minister for EWA has also issued instructions to the administrative body of the authority to implement a number of recommendations made under the directives of Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa.
The recommendations include increasing the number of telephone lines at the EWA call centre in order to ensure that all calls and complaints are attended to.
Al Jowder has also asked concerned administration departments to prepare and implement appropriate solutions and respond quickly to reports of power outages.
In addition, he has also asked to increase by 20 the number of mobile electricity generators used in mergencies where a power outage may require more time to be fixed. The new generators will supplement the 77 currently used by EWA.
Officials have also been told to coordinate with contractors to fix faults that affect underground electrical cables.
© Bahrain Tribune 2010
