Oscarline Onwuemenyi
09 September 2016, Sweetcrude, Abuja – The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP) have disclosed plans to implement energy efficiency measures for some electronic products used in the country, adding that it’s critical for the country to adopt energy efficiency of equipment used in either residential or public buildings.
SON’s Acting Director-General, Dr. Paul Angya, explained that his agency will facilitate access to information for consultants, set up and support the technical committee for air condition standards and labels that will support the promotion and creation of awareness in the country.
“I believe that these recommendations, once approved, will not be difficult to implement because SON has been part of the committee,” Angya stated.
He added that, “Already, equipment for the testing of lamps and refrigerators has been installed in SON. Equipment for the testing of air-conditioners will soon be installed.”
Explaining how the programme of the energy efficiency of equipment will be rolled out was, the head of the energy efficiency unit at NESP, Dr. Charles Diarra, said this would be done through the introduction of appropriate energy efficiency policies, measures and demand-side management programmes.
Diarra noted that these policies would strengthen the regulatory and institutional framework, develop monitory and enforcement mechanisms, provide training to appliance and equipment professionals, and launch a public outreach campaign to promote energy efficiency in Nigeria, the media reported.
According to him, the initiative will be focused on three main appliances namely, lamps, refrigerators and air conditioning with labels provided on each appliance, which identifies how much energy is being saved by using these efficient choices.
Diarra added that his organisation was willing to give its backing to any resolution reached to help both efficiency in energy use in the country and the safety of electrical appliances.
He further highlighted that NESP has been active in the Nigerian economy, using various planks of engagement, including energy policy, rural electrification, capacity development and political reform support.
Diarra added that his organisation has also supported the training managers in energy management efficiency, and that thus far, under its auspices, over 45 participants from 20 countries have been trained.
