The Editor, Sir:

While there is absolutely nothing that anyone can do to prevent utility costs from rising, there is much to be done to keep electricity consumption to a minimum.

I do not live in Jamaica, but I go 'home' at least twice a year. In May-June this year, I stayed in an apartment in the New Kingston area.

During those two months, I used an electric stove, refrigerator, microwave oven, electric fan, computer, hair dryer, lights, TV and radio. I did not use the water heater, washer/dryer, or iron and used the air-conditioner only once or twice, when the heat became unbearable, to cool down the bedroom for about an hour at night.

Whenever I left to go upstairs, I turned off the lights and left one burning in the stairway. I kept the TV plugged out when not in use. I cooked practically all my meals in a pressure cooker (which cut the time down by two-thirds) and froze them in portions which I then reheated in the microwave. I bought meat in bulk from Price Smart which I froze in portions also and cooked as needed. I kept the refrigerator half-loaded and stocked up only when necessary.

I used the washing machine in the complex laundry room ($100 per token) and hung out my clothes to dry in the sun. I used only no-iron clothing (eg, T-shirts and jeans) and sheets. I did not iron anything. I took a shower in the evening after the sun had warmed up the water in the pipes.

Total bill

My first JPS bill was $970 and the second was $2,500. This means that my total bill for the two months came to about US$50.00, which I could well afford.

The thing to remember is: any appliance that heats (irons, stoves, water heaters) or refrigerates (fridges, air-conditioners) consumes a colossal amount compared with lights, TV etc. We are lucky enough in Jamaica not to need to heat our homes and the sun is there to dry our clothes and warm our water.

The days of cheap oil are perhaps gone for good and the only thing to do now is to use electricity wisely and sparingly. Those high JPS bills are only going to go higher.

I am, etc.,

ECONO-MISER

lois_fal@yahoo.com

Via Go-Jamaica