Saving energy this winter

Lights were turned off at the editorial writers` office of The Dong-A Ilbo in a meeting Tuesday morning, when the “attention” alert by power authorities was issued due to a surge in power consumption stemming from an abnormal cold wave that gripped the nation. Initially, the writers felt it was a bit dark but soon grew comfortable. When they let the sunshine in by raising the window blinds, they had no trouble talking to each other. By turning off 120 units of 32-watt fluorescent lights for an hour, they effectively saved 3.84 kilowatts. They said they found it very rewarding to make small contributions to safeguard the electricity reserve, which momentarily fell below 3.5 million kilowatts in the morning.

The electricity supply alert was issued Tuesday for a third time this winter. This time, it came around 8 a.m., not the peak electricity consumption hours of 10 a.m. to noon and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Power demand for heating surged from early morning due to freezing weather, as the mercury to its lowest level in 56 years. Weather forecasters predict that cold spells will linger throughout the winter, so power authorities are in emergency mode. While Yeonggwang Nuclear Power Plant No. 3, 5 and 6 in South Jeolla Province and Uljin Nuclear Power Plant No. 4 in North Gyeongsang Province suspended operations, it is also uncertain if Wolseong Nuclear Power Plant No. 1, whose projected lifespan expired, will be restarted. Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co. should also mobilize every resource at its disposal to advance the resumption of the five plants’ operations.

For Korea to pass the winter without experiencing severe power shortages and blackouts, managing demand is of utmost importance. Industries that consume a large volume of electricity must reduce power consumption 3 to 10 percent starting this month in compliance with an official restriction of power use. Companies are devising diverse measures to save energy such as cutting operating ratios and refraining from using production facilities at peak consumption hours. Korea, however, cannot unlimitedly restrict the production capacities of Korean companies that spearhead the economy. Wherever possible, households and offices should take the lead in conserving energy, especially at peak consumption hours.

Above all, a top priority is reduction of electricity-based heating, which accounts for a fourth of power consumption in Korea in winter. If people wear thermal underwear and seal their doors and windows with curtains and other sealants, heat loss can be reduced. Long johns reportedly elevate body temperatures by 3 degrees and a knee blanket by 2.5 degrees. Up to 6 percent of household power consumption, which translates into electricity worth 420 billion won (390 million dollars), is wasted due to electronic appliances on standby mode. So Koreans should unplug TV set-top boxes and computer modems. Households are advised to replace conventional fluorescent lights with 32-watt high-efficiency models.

In certain countries whose average capita incomes are higher than that of Korea, people rarely use heating devices and instead wear warm clothing at home in the middle of winter. Heat-generating thermal underwear made from high-tech materials are also available. Avoiding the use of electric heaters and instead using kerosene or gas heaters can also help reduce power consumption. Everyone should join the campaign to overcome power shortages this winter by lowering room lights and thermostats.