SEWA to launch 12 projects to support Rationalisation Hour 2017

Over 2,300 officials are participating this year in the Rationalisation Hour initiative launched two years ago by the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority, SEWA, and approved by H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.

Accordingly, 2.30pm to 3.30pm the peak hour of electricity usage is observed as Rationalisation Hour on 1st July each year.

The aim is to raise awareness on the ideal use of energy, reduce emissions by turning off unnecessary devices, and ensure periodic maintenance.

Rashid Al Leem, Chairman of SEWA, stressed that this year will witness the participation of several authorities from the GCC and Arab countries that were visited by a delegation of the authority recently. He noted that the department seeks to co-operate with several institutions and individuals to reduce consumption and raise awareness on the dangers of excess load through a clear strategy to encourage rational consumption.

The initiative was launched in Sharjah in 2015, and all across the GCC countries in 2017. This year several Arab countries are being targeted to promote the idea. The Authority hopes that the initiative would help achieve a positive outcome by drawing attention to the importance of rationalising consumption and reducing load, especially during peak hours, to preserve energy and reduce emissions, he informed.

Ghada Jumaa Salem, Director of the Rationalisation Department, said that the Authority has launched 12 projects this year to promote the project. These include peak hour stars, rationalisation partners, peak hour marathon, creation of a new figure called peak man, be a winner with us project, co-operation with the Islamic Affairs Department, rationalisation leaders, promoting the peak hour in many Arab countries, and the clean energy leaders project with the Women’s Union in Sharjah.

She stressed that the activities organised by the Authority for the Rationalisation Hour have seen numerous positive results. It has reached several people and institutions who have participated by turning off unnecessary devices during the peak hours.

Moza bin Dekhain, Director of the Awareness Department, said that 32 government authorities and 32 other officials signed the Rationalisation Hour certificate from outside Sharjah. They also saw participation from 72 private and 514 public sector companies as well as 1,670 electronic pledges