PCJ Launches Lighting Efficiency Project

The Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ) on February 16, officially launched its ‘Lighting Efficiency Project’, at the Half-Way Tree Primary School, St. Andrew, which will see the institution raking in estimated savings of some $264,450 annually.

Under the project, the PCJ has replaced all the school’s T12 fluorescent lamps with energy efficient T8 fluorescent lamps; all magnetic ballasts with energy efficient electronic ballasts and all incandescent bulbs with energy efficient compact fluorescent lamps.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony at the institution, Senior Geologist, PCJ, Gavin Gunter said the project is expected to yield estimated energy savings of 8.81 mega watt hours (MWh) each year.

“We also hope that it will kick start a culture of energy saving in the school and in the way in which you live your lives,” he  told the students and teachers.

Mr. Gunter noted that within the last six to eight months, the Ministry of Energy and Mining, through the PCJ, has implemented a number of energy saving initiatives throughout several public institutions, namely hospitals and schools.

He said the country can expect more energy efficiency initiatives to come on stream in the near future, including the Bustamante Hospital for Children and Windward Road Solar Photovoltaic Outdoor Lighting projects.

The geologist encouraged the school community to do their part to save energy, noting that because of the high cost of energy in Jamaica, primarily due to the nation’s dependence on oil, socio-economic growth has been constrained on many levels.

“Investing in more efficient technologies and practices in our homes and businesses, especially small businesses, schools, the public sector and industries is one of the most constructive, cost effective ways to save energy and reduce our oil import bill, while protecting the environment,” he informed.

He further challenged the students and teachers to become “energy monitors and advisors,” by adopting and encouraging a number of energy saving practices.

These, he said, included the use of energy efficient light bulbs, such as compact fluorescent bulbs; unplugging appliances when they are not in use; replacing energy draining appliances and equipment with energy efficient ones; ironing once per week; and using less water when doing domestic chores.

“If as a nation we practise these and other conservation measures we will play a significant role in developing an efficient energy sector, and in doing so, help Jamaica to realise the Vision 2030 National Development Plan,” he said.

Vision 2030 Jamaica is the country’s first long-term  national development plan, which aims at enabling  Jamaica to  achieve developed country status  by 2030.  It is  based  on a comprehensive vision –  ‘Jamaica, the place of choice  to live, work, raise families and do business.’