Minister Paulwell Highlights Energy Conservation Efforts

Commerce, Science and Technology Minister, Phillip Paulwell has highlighted several proactive steps taken by government over the years to promote energy conservation and cut down on the country’s energy bill.
Speaking at the official opening of the Total Jamaica gas outlet at National Heroes Circle today on Friday, (October 15) Mr. Paulwell pointed out that such initiatives included the phasing out of leaded gasoline in 1999, and the introduction of two separate grades of unleaded gasoline, to conserve energy and protect the environment.
He further noted that other conservation accomplishments made were reflective in “the phased replacement of mini buses with long chassis buses. Each has a passenger capacity significantly higher than that of a typical mini bus, which dominated the [transport] sector in the 1980’s and 1990’s”.
Mr. Paulwell also made note of the use of articulated buses on trunk routes, and the establishment of a bus lane on Half-Way-Tree Road in 1996, which he said had led to increased bus mobility on that thoroughfare by 50 per cent.
Minister Paulwell stressed the significance of consumers being conscious about their energy usage, noting that they should “take practical steps to reduce consumption and eliminate waste,” as the need for increased levels of efficiency was urgent.
In his address, Managing Director of Total Jamaica, Luc Maiche explained that the company had made the decision to invest in Jamaica as it was felt that the country offered good business opportunities.
Total is a French-based multinational energy company with operations established in more than 130 countries. It is the fourth largest publicly traded oil and gas company in the world. Total Jamaica has 21 gas stations across the island, which were previously owned and controlled by National Gas.