The term rationalization of energy consumption expresses the optimal use of energy or its resources to meet the user’s needs without affecting other beneficiaries of that source of energy. This is done for several reasons, including conserving energy resources as well as reducing environmental pollutants that are emitted as a result of energy production.
People’s motivations for rationalizing energy consumption vary and legal reforms are essential for these ambitions to materialize. Some seek to save money, and others believe that rationalizing energy consumption is the least they can do to preserve the environment and reduce greenhouse gases that result from increased energy consumption. Energy consumption in its many forms, including electricity, gas, car fuel, and others, can be easily rationalized. All we need to do is make some adjustments in our daily behavior and ensure that relevant state authorities ensure that laws regulating energy consumption are being properly and fairly enforced. These adjustments may seem simple, but they will certainly make a big difference!
Legislating the rationalization of energy consumption is of utmost importance in preserving non-renewable natural energy sources, such as natural gas and petroleum, while protecting the environment from pollution. It also reduces water and air pollution, and relieves the state from enduring economic burdens due to increased consumption.
Saving money spent on monthly energy consumption is one of the most important strategies to adopt. Reducing the use of electricity, water, or any other energy source reduces the amount of money consumed on a monthly basis.
In the event that larger proportions of energy sources are consumed, countries are burdened with higher costs, prompting them to explore new resources for energy and electricity. This limits the amount of available energy and increases prices for the state and consumers.
Introducing laws to reduce residential energy consumption protects citizens from emergencies that may occur, which were avoided in the past through the use of various essential technologies and equipment.
Rationalizing Electrical Energy on Residential Properties
Hot water is responsible for 25% of the average home energy bill. Ways to reduce this include washing clothes in cold water and waiting until the washer is fully loaded, only running the dishwasher when it is full, installing a low-flow shower head (it will save money in no time) and reducing shower times.
Home electrical appliances can be responsible for up to a third of your energy bill. If you’re buying a new refrigerator, freezer, TV, washer, dryer, dishwasher, or air conditioner, look for the energy rating label—the more stars, the less energy the product uses. Models with more stars can cost more, but choosing products with fewer stars and a lower price can cost you more in the long run.
‘Standby power’ used by products such as microwave ovens, televisions and gaming consoles can account for up to 10% of your electricity bill. If there is any light or clock in these devices – this means that they are consuming energy. Operating costs can be reduced by unplugging appliances when not in use, eliminating any unnecessary refrigerators and freezers, and drying clothes on a clothesline instead of a clothes dryer.
With each heating or cooling degree increase, energy use increases by about 5% to 10%. To control your bills, consider setting your heating thermostat to 18–20°C in the winter, and 25–27°C in the summer. You can make the most of the energy you use by closing interior doors and only heating or cooling the rooms you use.
Under-door air dampers in the home are a cheap and easy way to maintain comfort in your home and save up to a quarter of your heating and cooling costs. Caulking gaps around doors, floors, windows, weather stripping, and using ‘sausage-like’ coiled bumpers filled with sand or tarps are DIY options.
Rationalizing Energy Consumption in the Industrial Sector
Performing regular maintenance on equipment, especially those with high consumption, to reduce their consumption. Turn off all appliances, air conditioning units, and lighting in unoccupied areas and at the end of work. Separating the air conditioning loads from the factory machine loads to turn off the largest part of them during the peak period in order to reduce the maximum load during this period. Turning off some secondary equipment during peak periods. In addition, reduce and turn off indoor and outdoor lighting during daylight hours and rely on natural lighting Use energy-saving lamps with lower consumption and high efficiency
Rationalizing Energy Consumption in the Commercial Sector
Perform regular maintenance on air conditioning devices to ensure their performance with high efficiency Ensure that the air conditioner control switches are set make sure to turn off the air conditioning after work to improve uninsulated buildings by adding insulation to the ceilings, external walls and windows Use appropriate lighting, energy-saving bulbs with high efficiency and lower consumption, and dispense with ordinary (tungsten) bulbs that are less efficient and have higher consumption. Replace the external lamps surrounding the market with electricity-saving lamps and try to reduce them as much as possible Installing control devices in escalators to operate only when needed
Raising awareness and passing the necessary legislation is of utmost importance to rationalize electrical consumption. Laws and marketing need to work together to make these ambitions a reality!
Eng. Mohamed Abdelraouf
Southern Area General Manager at Khalda Petroleum Company
