$80 Million in Savings from Energy Efficiency and Conservation Project

The Government has realised savings of approximately $80 million to date under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Programme (EECP).

The four-year project, implemented in 2011, is aimed at reducing the energy bill in public sector agencies. It is being funded by the Government in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

It involves replacing energy-wasting and outdated air conditioning units and lighting with more efficient models; and installation of central cooling, solar control film on windows, as well as cool roof solutions.

EECP Project Manager in the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Wayne Williams, told JIS News that the programme, which was scheduled to end this year, is being extended for two more years based on its success.

He said the various energy-savings solutions provided under the initiative could pay for themselves within three to four years of installation.

Entities that have benefitted so far are the Jamaica Information Service (JIS), and the Kingston Public and Victoria Jubilee hospitals, and others are scheduled to benefit over the next two years.

Mr. Williams said the EECP also includes cost cutting and conservation measures and the training of staff in energy efficient practices.

Personnel responsible for procurement in Government entities are also trained and encouraged to purchase office equipment such as printers and scanners, which use less energy. To date, over 1000 public sector employees have been trained in nine workshops.

The Ministry will also be embarking on a public education campaign through a series of JIS radio drama programmes, to encourage Jamaicans to become more energy efficient.

Mr. Williams told JIS News that the programme has also seen the emergence of new business opportunities and employment growth in the energy efficiency and conservation sectors.

He informed that the demand for applications and materials such as solar control film for windows, as well the cool roof solutions, have grown since the inception of the project.

Additionally, the expertise that the Ministry has gathered through the project is now being harnessed by other entities.

The Ministry now offers consultancy services and makes recommendations to entities seeking to become energy efficient.