Conserving Energy by Reducing Electricity Use – Consumers Association Penang

*Banner announcing CAP’s talk on energy-saving in the school.*

SMK Convent Bukit Mertajam which took part in CAP’s energy-saving project, practises a straightforward and practical approach to save energy – the school uses energy-efficient air-conditioners and places limits on their use, as well as the use of lights and fans. Energy Monitors appointed ensure compliance with these rules. Besides reducing its carbon footprint, these simple actions have, much to the school’s delight, helped to reduce its electricity bill.

“Reducing air-conditioner use lowers our school’s electricity bill” – TEACHER Nor Mazilla binti Mohamad Pauzi

The electricity bill at our school was quite high, much to the teachers’ dismay. Therefore, when CAP suggested introducing energy-saving measures to our students, we were more than excited. So far, we are managing well. The energy monitors are all geared up to monitor the classroom during recess, before class, during assembly, or whenever there is no one in the classroom, ensuring no fans or lights are switched on.

After the talk program on energy-saving, it has been etched in our minds that air conditioners consume a large chunk of electricity, and we could now relate it to the exorbitant electricity bill in our school. Since then, we have tried all possible ways to use air conditioners efficiently. The air conditioners are switched on only after recess, and we also set the temperature to a more economical degree.

*Reduce electricity use, the school urges its students and teachers in a poster.*

Recently, our headmistress replaced the old air conditioners with new ones. We also limit the number of air conditioners used at a time in the school hall. After installing new air conditioners with energy-saving features, our electricity bill for this month (July 2024) has reduced. These are some of the energy-efficient measures we have taken in our school.

“Classroom lights are switched off by 8.30 am” – Form 5 STUDENT Khairul Intan Najwa

After our school organised a program on saving electricity, we students gained deeper knowledge on it. After that, all our Monday assemblies are focused on emphasising energy saving among students. Our classroom lights are switched off by 8.30 am, as by that time the classroom is already bright.

Energy-saving measures are applied to teachers as well. They turn on the air conditioners in their room only after 10.00 am. The teachers appointed us as energy monitors to ensure all of us follow rules to achieve the goal of reducing electricity in our school. With my appointment as an energy monitor, I feel more responsible and have developed the discipline to carry out my duties.

*Students actively participating in CAP’s talk.*

When I told my parents that I had been appointed as an energy monitor, they were very happy. They guided me to gather more information about saving energy, as they believe I can perform my duty as an energy monitor well with such knowledge.

“Energy Monitor appointment vital to create impact” – Form 4 STUDENT Yogamalar a/p Kumaran

When our teachers kept reminding us to switch off the lights and fans when no one was in the class, we never took it seriously. But all changed after the Consumers Association of Penang’s talk program. There was so much more to saving energy that made me realise how important it is in our daily lives.

Once, I passed by the assembly hall. Despite there being no one in the hall, the lights were on, and fans were whirling in full swing. Even though I noticed it, it never crossed my mind to switch them off. Our teacher, who happened to pass by, reprimanded me for my indifference. It pricked my conscience there and then, and I started taking responsibility to save electricity in my school.

*From CAP to the school: A handy guide on energy-saving tips to drive change.*

In the mornings, I used to chit-chat with the general workers at our school. They told me that in many instances, they had requested the students to switch off the lights and fans upon leaving the hall, but very often their advice fell on deaf ears.

After a few of us were assigned as energy monitors, we started implementing the rules set by the school to save energy. At first, I felt awkward with the term “energy monitor”. And then, with my teacher’s explanation, I realised that if one is to instruct students to save electricity, they might not follow our instructions. However, the energy monitor position, which comes along with the recognition and power to carry out our duty, ensures adherence from other students.

For those students who still refuse to cooperate, we give a written report to the teacher. After becoming the energy monitor, I have stopped unnecessary energy waste.