By IANS,
New Delhi : With the national capital facing an acute power crisis, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit has appealed to Delhiites to observe energy conservation measures such as closing shops by 8 p.m.
“There has been an unprecedented increase in demand for power in north India in view of the delayed monsoon and abnormally high temperature. All the citizens of Delhi are requested to observe energy conservation measures for ensuring stability of the electricity grid and reduce power demand,” read the appeal Dikshit issued in newspapers.
Some of the energy conservation measures Dikshit suggested include closing of shops by 8 p.m., using only one air conditioner in the house, using coolers in place of air conditioners, switching off all neon signs in the evening, switching off all the electric equipments when not in use and not using electrical advertisement billboards after 11 p.m.
One of the other suggested measures is to set air conditioners at 24-25 degrees Celsius and not below, especially in large establishments.
The chief minister has also appealed to people to use washing machines at non-peak hours (6-10 a.m.) and wash full load in the machine.
“While every effort is being made to get adequate power, the heat as you will agree is unusually abnormal. All the citizens are requested to please co-operate by following the above measures since the situation is expected to remain critical till the monsoon breaks in,” said Dikshit’s appeal.
“I appeal to Delhiites to cooperate by adopting the energy conservation measures,” she added.
The appeal has evoked mixed response from denizens who are reeling under the intense heat.
“It’s not that we don’t know about these measures but we rarely follow them. Tough times like these teach us to be careful about our future. If we will save it today, our children will get it tomorrow. I will indeed follow our chief minister’s appeal,” Neelam Gupta, a housewife from Rohini area of west Delhi, told IANS.
“The government was sleeping till the power problem developed into a full blown crisis. Only after Sonia Gandhi called her and asked her to take actions, she convened a meeting and warned the BSES. But I will still save power as it is my duty,” said east Delhi resident Puneet Raheja.