The Energy Conservation Efficiency Program aims to promote a more efficient use of energy in both the public and private sectors. Identifying possible areas where energy and/or costs could be saved in Government-owned premises and implementation of energy saving measures in suitable sites is the core aim of this program. The Energy Conservation Efficiency programs also comprise of energy conservation awareness and monitoring of high energy consuming appliances. 

As stated in the Strategic Action Plan, a key strategy of the DOE’s current and future activities is to “increase efforts to create energy efficiency and conservation awareness and encourage energy efficiency in all sectors.” This strategy is very important to Fiji ’s development, not only to reduce Fiji ’s dependence on imported fossil fuels, but also to address climate change by demonstrating local greenhouse gas emission reductions. The DOE’s Energy Conservation /Efficiency Program has a number of different activities in operation to promote more efficient use of energy in both the public and private sectors.  The activities include adopting regulations, incentives, promoting public awareness, and practicing energy efficiency in Government operations .

Energy Awareness  

Appliance Labelling

New Energy Conservation Projects    

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National Energy Day Competition 7-8th June 2007

The Energy Awareness Competition Theme– Energy!!! Are we Alright???

The Department of Energy (DOE) after a successful 2006 Energy Day competition again hosted the competition with a theme of Energy!!! Are we Alright???. This was held to culminate with the 2007 National Environment Week festivities at the Suva Civic Centre and involved essays of up to 1500 words and A3 sized posters. A new category was introduced which required groups of students not more than 5 to create a renewable energy model that depicted an example of a renewable energy resource and its usage. Emphasis was on team work, concept and     relevance, hybrid models were also encouraged.    

The Energy theme proposes a critical question - whether we think we are secure in terms of the availability of    energy for use in Fiji . In view of this,  while the competition was for schools students to participate and broaden their undertaking of energy issues, and those particularly facing Fiji, the people of Fiji as a whole must also take heed of energy issues affecting Fiji and the impact of unsustainable energy usage in terms of household/business financial losses, carbon emissions and climate change.

Cash prizes ranging from $200 to $500 for winning student participants and prizes for schools ranged from multi media system, PC’s, reference books and sporting gear. The DOE while contributing $5,000.00 towards this competition was also able to secure another $5,000.00 from sponsors.

Entries were judged on their expression of the linkages between reducing energy use, saving money and cutting greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to dangerous global warming and associated climate change. Fiji ’s vulnerability in terms of energy security was also a core requirement.

The winners were:   

The competition by the DOE is part of its ongoing program to promote awareness on the importance of and reasons for saving energy. Increasing awareness of energy conservation in schools is of utmost importance in creating energy aware citizens for Fiji ’s future. At the close of entries for the competition on June 5^th, over 300 posters and essays had been received and 15 renewable energy models. It is indeed encouraging that so many school students are interested in energy issues that are vital to Fiji ’s environmentally sustainable development.

The 2007 energy theme reflects upon the 2007 Regional Earth Day theme of “Energy Security for National Development”. This links closely with the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) Secretariat thematic cluster for the CSD14th and 15th Sessions (2006/2007) that  includes “energy for sustainable development”.

The DOE also acknowledges the assistance of SOPAC in the developments of school educational awareness materials relating to the theme this year that have been distributed to schools around Fiji . The energy booklet developed, Energy Saving Options in Homes helps develop awareness of students on energy sources, consumption and conservation. It aims to instill in students learning how saving energy from an early age will allow future generations to undertake better energy housekeeping measures. Saving energy in homes is part of the solution to Energy Security and Sustainable Development.

  For advice or assistance with energy efficiency issues around your home, work or school,   contact us on energy@govnet.gov.fj 3386006/3386377 or write to us on:

The Director

Department of Energy

P O Box 2493

Government Buildings

Suva

Fiji Islands  

With the rise in electricity rates, Fiji ’s vulnerability to increases in world oil prices has never been so obvious. However, you may be pleased to hear that the Government is working to help you save electricity in the long-term. Did you know that household appliances make up70%-80% of the average Fiji electricity bill? That’s why the Department of Energy is working with local retailers, the Consumer Council of Fiji and others to improve Fiji ’s appliances and save money for all in the process.

What is the problem with electrical appliances sold in Fiji ?

As other countries in the region adopt minimum standards on appliance energy usage, Fiji risks being left behind to become a dumping ground for inefficient appliances. These appliances drain our electricity network, increase greenhouse gas emissions and cost Fiji citizens millions of extra dollars in electricity bills.

So what is the Government’s solution?

To bring in the “Fiji Appliance Standards and Labelling Program.” This program will make it compulsory for all new selected appliances to pass minimum standards on energy performance, which will clean out the most ‘energy hungry’ models from our stores. You may well already be familiar with appliance Energy Rating Labels (right). By  making these labels compulsory, the program will also ensure that all citizens are given consistent and reliable information to allow them to make smart energy purchases that will save on energy bills for years to come.

What is Appliance Standards & Labelling?

The Fiji Appliance Energy Standards and Labelling (F S&L) Program will
be made up of two regulatory requirements:

1.       Energy labelling—mandatory on-product labels (right) will provide buyers with consistent, reliable information so that consumers can take running costs into account when they purchase new appliances.

2.     Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS)—set legally enforceable minimum levels of energy efficiency for appliances to be sold in Fiji .

The program will initially only apply to domestic refrigerators and freezers.

What has been Happening?

During 2006 the Department of Energy (DOE) established a Fiji Appliance Energy Standards and Labelling Committee (FAESLC) Steering Committee to raise and incorporate stakeholder views on adoption of the Standards, and to tailor the ensuing program to meet Fiji ’s needs.  All Steering Committee members are in full support of the program. The Steering Committee will continue to meet at regular intervals to drive the future direction of the program. The DOE will also be working on a one-on-one basis with key parties such as the Consumer Council, Courts, MH and, Fiji Chamber of Commerce and the Fiji Retailers Association to ensure a smooth transition to the program and that public and industry education is comprehensively addressed.

The Fiji Appliance Standards and Labelling program of the DOE recently received the approval from the Trade Standards Advisory Council (TSAC) to begin seeking Public submission on the draft energy standards. This Public Submission is a requirement of the TSAC to get public and relevant stakeholder comments to the proposed standards before it is introduced in the country.  TSAC is the group of people who are appointed under the provisions of the Trade Standards and Quality Control Decree 1992 by the Minister of Commerce, Industry, Investment & Communications. It is established as an advisory body to the Minister of Commerce, Industry, Investment & Communications. 

Amongst a few other functions of the TSAC, it considers and recommends to the Minister for promulgation of Fiji Standards, in respect of quality of commodities, processes, practices and services imported into/produced or provided in/exported from Fiji .

No new legislation is required to enact the energy standards for refrigerators/freezers, as they would be adopted and mandated under the existing Trade Standards and Quality Control Decree 1992. In order to ensure all stakeholders have a say in this standards, a one month submission is allowed for stakeholders and the general public to comment on the standards before the standards would be published in the Gazette by the Minister for Commerce, Industry, Investment & Communications after Cabinet endorsement.

What will the standards apply to and when?

Standards and Labelling requirements are proposed to come in for household refrigerating appliances bringing of 2008.  Requirements will then be extended to air-conditioning and other electrical equipment from 2008 and beyond.

The DOE has now initiated a Public Submission period to invite stakeholders/public to comment on the draft Standards prepared. The Submission period is for 1 month (June 1st –July 2nd). 

            The Standards will become legally enforceable after 6 months from Gazettal of the Standards (around early-2008)

So from 2008, what would this mean for:

The Public:

            Consumers will no longer see refrigerators with very poor energy
efficiency in stores and every product available will state how much electricity it uses per year. This means that you will be able to compare how much each fridge will cost you in the long run. For example, while an efficient fridge might cost $100 more to buy, it could easily save smart buyers over $600 in energy bills over its lifetime! Just remember—the more stars on the label, the more energy efficient!

The appliance industry:

            Anyone importing or selling household type refrigerators/freezers must  ensure that:

     They are aware of program developments. 

     From early 2008: Must ensure that their products are MEPS compliant,

     Must ensure that all stock ordered has and those in showrooms, clearly displays Energy Rating Labels.  

Models imported before 2008 may be still be legally sold providing proof of importation date with the regulatory authorities. Retailer training will be provided in 2007.

The DOE intends to extend the program to domestic air conditioners (< 7.5kW) and Lighting in 2008.

Who will represent industry views on the program?

The FAESLC Steering Committee has been created to voice and incorporate all stakeholder views on program design and operation comprising of industry/business and consumer sectors.

            As Committee Secretariat, any comments or concerns can be raised directly with the DOE.  

 Why Regulate Energy Efficiency?

            Massive economic benefits to both consumers & society through savings on energy bills.

            Will reduce Fiji ’s reliance on imported diesel fuel for electricity generation.

            Important part of Fiji ’s strategy to combat climate change & global warming

Who do I talk to for further information?

            Contact Intiyaz at the DOE on email ikhan@fdoe.gov.fj or (679) 338 6006 for a copy of the Overview of the Energy Standards.

Pre 2005 Information

Public Submissions June 01-July 02, 2007

Energy Audits

ENERGY AUDIT FOR ROGOROGO-I-VUDA HOUSE IN LAUTOKA

The Energy Audit which is part of the Energy Conservation and Awareness (ECA) Programme is a crucial exercise that is mainly conducted for Government Ministries and Departments, along with Hospitals and other Government Institutions to ascertain their electricity consumption and hence determine possible ways where energy savings   opportunities are appropriate. Wise energy practices are essential as it can save money and energy and thus save the environment.

As part of this year’s ECA plans two governments rented buildings were identified for preliminary energy audits. They were Rogorogo-i-vuda house in Lautoka and Knolly Plaza in Suva .

In April this year, a team of energy auditors from DOE undertook a preliminary energy audit of the Rogorogo-i-vuda House in Lautoka. This Building is a three storey building which was constructed in 1986 and is owned by the Ba Holdings Limited. The Government tenants in the building include

 

LEVEL 1                      LEVEL 2                        LEVEL 3

Ba Provincial Council        Ministry of Education           Ba Holdings Ltd

         Land Use Department        Divisional Register Western

Lautoka Health Center        Dept of Cooperatives

         Cafeteria                          Champa Punja

Immigration Department

Pacific Broadcasting Services (PBS) 

The DOE ECA energy auditors have recommended for a further detail  energy audit which will target the lighting systems of the Building. With some capital investment, the Government through the tenants, should be able to save money on electricity usage.     

All Government Ministries and Department are encouraged to contact the DOE for its free energy audit services. Last year the DOE undertook energy audits for Government Offices at Ro Qomate House and the Macuata House along with Ministry of Education Office at the top floor of Gohill Building , Suva St . The ECA energy auditors also preformed a energy audit along with funding for energy improvement at the Commissioner Eastern Office.    

Energy Efficiency Quantification

Since 1990 there were 20 audit reports done and 12-implementation project to realize energy efficiency has been undertaken. 

Energy audit at the Lautoka (Natabua) Prison undertaken in 2003, recommended upgrading to the lighting services which was implemented in late 2004. A preliminary evaluation has revealed energy savings to the Prisons Department of around 4000kwh for 2005, when compared to 2004 and a further 8000kwh when compared to 2003. Further evaluation are being undertaken to ascertain if other factors were responsible for this energy savings.

Other projects that are currently being evaluated include Labasa Hospital Boiler, Koronivia Research Station and Fiji Museum .

With the 12 implemented projects over the years, work has begun to assess the energy saved through the energy quantification work at 4 implemented projects and its results along with other projects will be entered into the spreadsheets for updating.  Along with dollar savings and kwh saved, a Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emission Impacts at the Project and Program Level, a Calculation Reference Guide, which has been written by the DOE Australian Youth Ambassador for Development (AYAD) Volunteer staff, is being used to assess the changes in greenhouse gas emissions from energy related projects or programs.