Use and misuse of electricity
WE all are well aware of the energy crisis, as well as of the pitiable loadshedding scenario, be it the causes or adverse effects of it. But this is to only show one side of the coin.
Regularly, I notice that streetlights remain on for many hours even after the sun has risen. I wonder if this is a case of over-efficiency or sheer carelessness.
Blaming the government to be responsible for all the problems is not right. Electricity is also being wasted and misused at homes, institutions, workplaces, malls, restaurants, etc.
In institutions and workplaces, airconditioners, heavy-watt lights, fans, computers, etc., are needlessly left on consuming electricity until the employees leave office in the evening. No one would even bother to turn off extra lights or the airconditioner even when the room temperature is pleasant, and to turn their computers off during lunch hour at offices or classrooms/labs in institutions. This is exploitation.
On an average, a middle or upper middle class family having five to six members own two televisions at home, two refrigerators and/or a separate fridge and freezer, two airconditioners that are used gratuitously and several other home appliances, including those used in the kitchen.
Isn’t using two electrical items instead of one sheer wastage of electricity? There is a need to keep a check on the exploitation of electricity at the government level. On the other hand, I request every citizen to realise how we are using and misusing such a precious commodity.
We have grown up hearing the government’s plans and vows to overcome all electricity problems. However, we all know that nothing is going to change. Thus, the best thing for us to do is to contribute in minimising its wastage.
SIDRA AIMAN
Karachi
Dear Author,
Please note that the electricity problem apart from being a problem if shortage is also a problem of non-payment. I am from Karachi, yes we have 2 or 3 air conditioners running at night time but guess what because we pay our bills on time, we hardly have any load shedding in our house. Yes there is load shedding in the area but KESC has adopted a new policy and does not do load shedding in those area which are prompt in their payments.
No using bulbs, ACs and refrigerators is not the real access. At least he is paying bill. The real loss are all Grade 16 and above officials in government departments who are using ACs (even if not authorized) and nor them neither their departments paying for this luxury are the real culprits and burden on civic pockets. Isn’t it?
We are involved in electricity theft in connivance with WAPDA officials and those who keep a distance face wrong readings every month in order to shake hands with the officials.
THERE IS PLENTY OF CHEAP CNG AVAILABLE IN KARACHI. WHY NOT GENERATE ALL DOMESTIC AND ALL INDUSTRIAL ELECTRICITY USING CNG AND KEEP ON WASTING ELECTRICITY?
The major cause of loadshedding is non payment of bills by the big units and steeling with the connivance of wapda officals. The class of middle class always obey the rules of uitilizing the energy.