Energy awareness campaign generates positive buzz

The Department of Public Works’ Energy Division is pleased to inform the public that its 2011 Annual Energy Awareness Month events on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota were successful, receiving positive feedbacks from our communities for promoting and encouraging energy conservation and awareness within the CNMI.

With this year’s campaign: “Turn Words into Actions, Turn Actions into Results,” the Energy Division managed to reach out to 1,553 residential consumers to provide energy education and conservation awareness through the distribution of Energy Savings Kits from funding made possible through a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, State Energy Program – American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

As a result of the awareness, the Energy Division anticipates that the 1,553 households that availed of the kits will realize an annual reduction of about 526 kWhrs in energy consumption and annual-cost savings of about $189.22 per household or a total $293,852.45 on their energy bill and in turn, further reducing the CNMI’s dependence on fossil fuel.

The Energy Awareness Events kicked off on Oct. 18-20, 2011 with a two-day event on Tinian at the Tinian Mayor’s Office with 282 of its local residents availing of the Home Energy Savings Kit.

On Oct. 26-27, 2011, the Energy Division reached out to 280 residents who availed of the kits, which took place at the Rota Mayor’s Office, while 991 residential consumers on Saipan took the time to visit the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Building in Susupe to avail of the available Home Energy Savings Kits.

At the conclusion of the events on Tinian and Rota, Tinian Mayor Ramon Dela Cruz and Rota Mayor Melchor Mendiola expressed sincere appreciation to the Energy Division for extending energy conservation programs and assistance to their respective residential consumers.

Saipan resident Donna Liwag also took to the time to express her gratitude and appreciation for the Home Energy Savings Kit. She said she is now more energy conscious and looks forward to a reduction in her utility bill when she replaces her incandescent bulbs with Energy Star compact florescent light bulbs.

The Home Energy Savings Kits consisted of three Energy Star compact florescent light bulbs and other energy saving devices that came in reusable bags.

Thelma B. Inos, director of the Energy Division, is pleased that the community continues to do their part in conserving energy and encourages others to please do the same. [B][I](PR)[/I][/B]