[Energy] Energy Managers?

Business Times, 14 Sept 2005

The Energy Commission (EC) has proposed to the Government to make it mandatory for major electricity users to appoint energy managers as part of efforts towards efficient energy management in Malaysia. If the proposal goes through, about 1,700 establishments in Malaysia have to train energy managers who will send reports to the EC on the status of energy consumption at their premises. Upon receiving reports from energy managers, EC will advise them on techniques to improve energy efficiency.

The regulation is expected to be implemented in 2006.

Major electricity users are those who consume 6 million kWh of electricity per annum which include factories that operate 3 shifts a day, manufacturing plants in various sectors like steel, textile and glass as well as large office and shopping complexes.

EC: Malaysia can save more than RM 11 billion from energy efficiency and demand-side management initiatives between 2005-2015. When demand for energy drops and energy is used efficiently, the country would save RM 5.6 billion in investment to generate and supply electricity while another RM 6.2 billion savings comes from the cost of energy.

The average electricity consumption by commercial buildings in Malaysia is 200-280 units per sq. metre a year. The consumption can be reduced to 100 units per sq. metre a year if the buildings are more efficient such as using more day light and electrical equipment which produces less heat and thus require less air-conditioning.

Malaysia's energy efficiency is poor compared with other developed countries and even against Singapore and Thailand. Developed countries like Denmark experience GDP growth without greater growth in energy consumption. Malaysia's energy growth outstripped its GDP growth for the past 10-20 years. During the period, Malaysia saw energy growth of between 10 and 12% while its economic growth averaged 6-8%.

Note: Based on EC Chairman's speech at the media briefing on energy efficiency, 13 Sept 2005.