How should we use electricity safely in hot weather?

With the hot weather upon us electricity usage has increased rapidly as more people turn on air conditioners and fans. Many people are concerned about a shortage of electricity while there is also the risk that overloaded circuits will cut out. Vientiane Times asked around for opinions on ways to save electricity and prevent accidents. 

Ms Noymany Khamvongsa, a resident of Xaythany district, Vientiane: We should be extra careful when using electrical appliances in hot weather and try not to use them continuously for a long time. For example, it’s best not to keep a fan switched on all day and when we turn a fan off we should unplug it. That goes for other electrical devices as well, such as irons.  We should consider energy use and try not to be wasteful. If there is only one person in a room, it’s not necessary to have both a fan and air-conditioner running. And when we go out, we should make sure we turn everything off.
 
Mr Bounthavy Keosouvan, a resident of Luang Prabang province: In the next few months we will consume a lot more electricity because air conditioners, fans and refrigerators will be turned up high during the hottest time of the year. To prevent fires, we should be careful and think about the appliances we are using. We should turn things off when we go out and always keep an eye on electrical systems. In addition to saving electricity, it also helps prevent fires.

Mr Keonikone Mahachaleun a resident of Xaythany district, Vientiane: I always use a fan instead of air conditioning and open all the windows to create a draft. Sometimes I go to the riverbank or sit under big trees rather than stay at home in the afternoons. To prevent fires, I think the best way is to buy high quality appliances and avoid using cheap and poor quality products. We should think about the appliances we are using and make sure we use them in the right way and not overload them. This way, they will last longer as well as helping to save energy.
 
Ms Hong Visack, a government official in Xaythany district, Vientiane: Temperatures are rising and we should be very careful when using electrical appliances. And to save power, we should consider how much electricity we may be using and do so safely. Overloading circuits in hot weather can increase the risk of fire. One simple idea is to unplug devices when we’re not using them, as this can help reduce risks as well as save money.

Ms Khampheng, a resident of Champassak province: There are problems with electricity in my house in the hot season and we have a lot of blackouts. Some people don’t use electricity carefully and are unaware of the risks they run. Electricity has both advantages and disadvantages, so we must be careful with its use. The authorities should advise people how to use electricity wisely. Energy providers should ensure that power is always available and should have a rapid response team that can tackle problems quickly.
 
Ms Noy, a resident of Champassak province: If we want to save electricity and prevent fires, I think we have to start with ourselves. First of all, we should turn off any unnecessary appliances and secondly we should install a safety cut-out off switch to prevent overloading. Third, we should keep an eye on all electrical sockets and lights and change them if necessary. The last person to leave an office or house should make sure they turn everything off before going out the door. And with appliances or systems that are used for one to two hours, we should turn them off for 15-20 minutes.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
   (Latest Update March 9, 2022)