Inos signed a proclamation in the governor’s conference room in Capitol Hill, stressing the importance of energy efficiency so consumers and businesses could save money and protect the environment by fighting global warming at the same time.
CNMI Energy Division Director Thelma B. Inos encouraged the community to save energy by switching to Energy Star bulbs and fixtures.
The Energy Division, in its statement, said if every home in the CNMI would change one light to one that has earned the Energy Star, the island would save 3,494,131 kwh in electricity every year.
This would translate to a yearly savings of $395,562 in energy costs while preventing 5,380,961 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions each year, the division said.
“The CNMI is proud to join the fight against global warming as part of this nationwide effort by celebrating Oct. 7 as Energy Star Change a Light Day,” the division stated.
It further encouraged the households to change a light and take other energy-saving actions like enabling computers to power down when not in use, installing and using a programmable thermostat correctly, and choosing products that have earned the Energy Star.
Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy to help consumers save money and protect the environment through products and practices that are energy-efficient. In buying new household products, one must look for those that have earned the Energy Star.
Director Inos said they will hold a series of activities in October to instill awareness about the importance of saving energy.
“We will be holding promotions at various stores and conduct educational campaigns at schools on energy conservation,” she added.
The lt. governor also signed two other proclamations declaring October as Energy Awareness Month, and October 30 as Weatherization Assistance Program Day.
He encouraged the community to be good stewards of the environment and buy only appliances and products that have earned the Energy Star to help families save on utility bills.
This year’s Energy Awareness Month theme is “A Sustainable Energy Future Putting all the Pieces Together.”
The Energy Division hopes that the activities for the month are just the beginning, and that the community will continue to practice energy awareness throughout the year.
