Keisha Hill, Gleaner Writer
With the high costs now associated with the use of electricity, consumers will now be happy to know that Samsung Electronics has unveiled in Jamaica a new refrigerator with a digital inverter that is guaranteed to save energy, automatically levels the power fluctuation, has more durability and a higher cooling performance to keep food in top condition.
The digital inverter increases energy efficiency by automatically choosing between five-speed RPM in response to cooling requirements. According to Alvin Vanegas, Samsung sales executive for home appliances, opening the door frequently or putting a plate of hot food in the refrigerator can create changes in temperature, but the digital inverter compressor reacts quickly to provide cool air to slow or speed, reducing energy consumption.
“In the same way that technology aims to prolong the life of the refrigerator, Samsung reinforces its commitment to the durability of its products, offering consumers a 10-year warranty on the compressor,” Vanegas said.
With the new combi fridge freezer, Samsung brings powerful technologcal innovations into the home, empowering families to get more out of their appliances and run their households more efficiently. Advanced technology in Samsung’s new refrigerator delivers an overall unique design, complemented by special features that work together to maximise space efficiency.
“It comes equipped with unique resources that provide convenient storage options and efficient use of space, including a sliding tray to store and get food easier and a compartment door which is longer and deeper for bottles,” Vanegas said.
The refrigerator also has:
Auto Ice Maker
Ice max or ice packs, depending on the model, offering two ice compartments.
LED light which is high in efficiency and better at illuminating the interior.
Sophisticated design of the door providing easy opening.
Water dispenser at a height that eliminates the need to tilt the body to use.
‘Moistfresh zone’ which controls the airflow to maintain optimum moisture, creating the perfect environment for storing fruits and vegetables.
‘Cool pack’ keeps the cold in the freezer for eight hours in case of power failure, preventing food from spoiling in the event of an ice-melt.
For more information on the Samsung Digital Inverter Compressor refrigerator, visit:
|
The planned stadiums look stunning but searing summer heat requires a complex cooling system [GETTY]
|
||
| Qatar is racing to develop
Debbie-Ann Wright, News Editor – Radio The National Water Commission (NWC) is advising that frequent fluctuations in the power supply to the Tulloch Springs/Rio Cobre Water Supply System is affecting service to customers in Kingston, St Andrew and St Catherine. The company says the power supply interruptions have worsened the impact of the prolonged drought. It says the mechanical failure at one of the sources has resulted in a shortfall of more than 3 million gallons of water each day on the Tulloch Springs/Rio Cobre Water Supply System. It says some customers in Kingston, St Andrew and St Catherine either have no water, intermittent supply or are experiencing low water pressure. The areas affected include sections of Portmore, downtown Kingston, communities off Washington Boulevard, Molynes Road, and Spanish Town Road. The NWC says the problem has been reported to the Jamaica Public Service and work is being done to return to normal operation in the shortest possible time. Read more:
Debbie-Ann Wright, News Editor – Radio The National Water Commission (NWC) is advising that frequent fluctuations in the power supply to the Tulloch Springs/Rio Cobre Water Supply System is affecting service to customers in Kingston, St Andrew and St Catherine. The company says the power supply interruptions have worsened the impact of the prolonged drought. It says the mechanical failure at one of the sources has resulted in a shortfall of more than 3 million gallons of water each day on the Tulloch Springs/Rio Cobre Water Supply System. It says some customers in Kingston, St Andrew and St Catherine either have no water, intermittent supply or are experiencing low water pressure. The areas affected include sections of Portmore, downtown Kingston, communities off Washington Boulevard, Molynes Road, and Spanish Town Road. The NWC says the problem has been reported to the Jamaica Public Service and work is being done to return to normal operation in the shortest possible time. Read more:
CARICOM — —————————- This is a Summary of the CARICOM Energy Policy which was approved by the Forty-First The Goal/ Vision of the CARICOM Energy Policy Fundamental transformation of the energy sectors of the Member States of the Community through the provision of secure and sustainable supplies of energy in a manner which minimizes energy waste in all sectors, to ensure that all CARICOM citizens have access to modern, clean and reliable energy supplies at affordable and stable prices, and to facilitate the growth of internationally competitive Regional industries towards achieving sustainable development of the Community OBJECTIVES OF CARICOM ENERGY POLICY In fulfillment of the Goal /Vision of the CARICOM Energy Policy and to assure access to (a) sustainable and secure energy supplies through diversification of energy sources; Quantitative Regional level targets for sustainable energy will be established in the context of the Caribbean Sustainable Energy Roadmap and Strategy (C-SERMS), based on rationalization of the potential energy resources and human and institutional capacity which will accompany the CEP and provide a implementation framework engaging all Member State and actors in the energy sector. SUMMARY OF BROAD CARICOM ENERGY POLICY ACTIONS In order to realize the Goal/Vision for the energy sector of the Community, it is the Policy of CARICOM to: SECURITY OF SUPPLY AND FUEL DIVERSIFICATION (Chapter 1) 1. Ensure increased energy security through timely access to adequate, reliable and EXPLOITATION OF HYDROCARBON SOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT OF FOSSIL FUEL MARKETS 2. Secure least cost hydrocarbon resources for each Member State and ensure that RENEWABLE ENERGY (Chapter 3) 3. Diversify the energy sources through increased use of renewable energy in a manner ELECTRICITY SECTOR (Chapter 4) 4. Ensure the sustainability of the electricity sector through increased use of renewable ENERGY CONSERVATION AND EFFICIENCY (Chapter 5) 5. Promote energy savings efforts in all sectors ENERGY USE FOR TRANSPORTATION (Chapter 6) 6. Promote fuel switching in the transportation sector to cleaner energy sources and ENERGY INVESTMENT (Chapter 7) 7. Undertake the necessary reforms in a timely manner to encourage greater investment INTRA-COMMUNITY TRADE IN HYDROCARBON ENERGY SOURCES (Chapter 8) 8. Ensure fair pricing and access to hydrocarbon resources by all Member States to ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT (Chapter 9) 9. Ensure that energy is supplied and consumed in a manner that creates minimal ENHANCEMENT OF HUMAN AND INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY (Chapter 10) 10. Build and strengthen the human capacity and skills as well as institutional capacity ENERGY ACCESS AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION (Chapter 11) 11. Eliminate energy poverty and ensure access to clean, affordable and reliable energy CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES (Chapter 12) 12. Encourage sustainable energy practices within all other sectors and areas where there ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE (Chapter 13) 13. Establish regional and national targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions ENERGY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS (Chapter 14) 14. Develop strategies to ensure the availability of energy supplies and products and a TRADE IN ENERGY SERVICES (Chapter 15) 15. Develop strategies to take advantage of opportunities for trade in energy services PRINCIPLES GUIDING ACTIONS OUTLINED IN THE CARICOM ENERGY POLICY The CARICOM Energy Policy is guided by the following: 1. Community Mandates on Energy and Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas;
This article has been submitted by the JPS.
As the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) evaluates proposals for the construction of the next generation of generating plants, the question of what is the best technology to deploy has ignited a public debate, as we saw with the recent article published in the Business Observer (Wednesday, April 3). The two leading technologies that have emerged are the medium-speed reciprocating engines (diesel) (MSD) and the combined cycle gas turbines (CCGT). Both technologies are currently in operation in Jamaica and have some inherent advantages and disadvantages. Total generation cost, flexibility of fuel options, ease and frequency of maintenance and environmental issues are all important considerations that will factor into the decision by the OUR in the technology choice. The analysis by JPS has concluded that the CCGT is the right generation solution for Jamaica at this time. Policy & regulatory framework
The decision on the most appropriate technology for electricity generation is first framed by the policy objectives of both the Government and the OUR. The two most important objectives of the National Energy Policy and the regulator are: 1. A significant reduction in electricity prices; and 2. Fuel diversification. The Government and the OUR have agreed that a policy of diversifying the mix of fuel used for electricity generation away from oil is the most effective in lowering electricity cost. JPS agrees with this policy approach and it is within that context it has conducted an evaluation of the available technologies to replace its existing capacity and prepare for sustainability and future growth in electricity demand. Sector experience
JPS has been Jamaica’s electricity provider for 90 years and owns the largest block of power plants on the island. Its majority shareholders, Marubeni Corporation of Japan and Korea East-West Power Company together own and operate power plants (including diesels and combined cycle units) with an installed capacity of over 9,000 MW globally and using a full range of fuels: coal, gas, oil, hydro, wind, solar. No other entity in Jamaica and few others across the world can similarly claim this level of operational familiarity and experience with such a range of plants and fuel. JPS drew on this knowledge, experience and policy objectives in preparing its proposal to the OUR and after careful analysis has concluded that the CCGT technology offers the best efficiency and flexibility option for generation expansion in Jamaica at this time. Here’s why. Cost of Energy
JPS ripping us off again? In the recent JPS Annual Tariff Adjustment Page 19 Technical Losses states: “The T&D system configuration and voltage levels are critical to determining the actual Increasing the voltage WILL increase your electricity consumption and in effect your JPS Most other countries practice something called “Conservation Voltage Reduction (CVR)” in The JPS nominal voltage should be 110vac or 220vac for rate 10 customers (residential) I typically measure between 115vac to 125vac and many days close to 128vac, or 4.5% to Ever wonder why your motors and electrical equipment run hotter or burn up quicker? Studies have shown 1% voltage change can yield a 0.6% change in consumption, or 2.7% to Is this there the 10% technical loss reduction will come from? Building a sub-station will cost money. money from every customer. Where is the OUR? more to come… THE JAMAICA PUBLIC SERVICE CO. LTD. ANNUAL TARIFF ADJUSTMENT SUBMISSION FOR 2013 http://www.myjpsco.com/_pdfs/ http://www.jsea.org.jm/docs/ 
APPLIANCE Traders Limited (ATL) has expanded into the alternative energy business. ATL Energy Solutions will add solar water heaters, photovoltaic panels and other devices for revewable power to the appliance retailers energy-efficient product line.
The division will also provide technical consultancy on assessing, designing and implementing scalable energy-saving solutions for businesses and homes. “We want to demystify the alternative energy space for our customers making it easier for them to determine the best path to reducing their energy consumption,” said Paul Grey, ATL’s energy and engineering manager. The introduction of the industrial giant’s new division comes after months of extensive research and analysis of global alternative energy providers to identify the best solutions for the Jamaican market according to the division head. “Record energy prices in Jamaica as well as in the international marketplace have heightened the need for sustainable alternatives. Expanding into the energy business is a natural progression for ATL given our history of providing advanced engineering and industrial solutions for major projects in Jamaica and the Caribbean,” said Grey. “Our mandate with ATL Energy Solutions is to provide our customers with a comprehensive resource centre to assess, design, implement, and service energy-saving technology and equipment that will reduce consumption patterns and ultimately energy receipts.” ATL already has solid footing in the alternative energy space executing a joint $8.6-million initiative with eco-innovation leaders Panasonic. The project saw the construction of a prototype eco-villa at Sandals Montego Bay, the first of its kind in Jamaica. The luxury suites are fully powered by Panasonic’s photovoltaic systems as well utilise all inverter appliances and electronics. Additionally, the company inked an exclusive arrangement with leading Israeli solar technology company Nimrod Industries Limited to distribute its solar water heaters as well as implemented its own Eco-Smart seal to earmark ‘green’ electronics in its product line-up. “We are at a transformational period in the Jamaican energy sector that requires us to either heavily curb our existing consumption patterns or look to alternative sources of power,” said Grey. “Our strategic partnerships enable us to offer a gamut of solutions across a range of applications for both our commercial and residential customers. From LED light bulbs which can last over 50,000 hours to solar photovoltaic (PV) panels which can last up to 25 years or even inverter appliances which save up to 60 per cent on power bills, we have solutions for the energy-mindful consumer.” ATL also provides detailed energy audits from which customers can readily evaluate their savings.
|