HE Dr. Rashid Al Leem, the Chairman of Sharjah Electricity & Water Authority announced that SEWA has prepared an ambitious strategy with specific milestones and standards to change the public concepts and trends of power consumption. He pointed out the objective of such strategy will achieved through the One Saving Hour Initiative launched by SEWA as per the instruction His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, the Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah onn July 1 each year from 02:30 pm to 03:30 pm. The time selected to mark the Initiative in summer during the highest peak hours each year coincides with high demand for power and water.  The aim of the One Saving Hour Initiative is to promote the conservation culture and raise the awareness of the community about rational use of electricity and reduction of toxic emissions. The initiative is intended raise awareness and educate customers on the importance of avoiding the use of electrical appliances and devices during the peak hours.

The above statements were made by H.E the Chairman of SEWA at the press conference organized by SEWA to launch the initiative’s events and activities in presence of Eng. Ghada Juma’a, Manager of the Conservation Department, Mr. Saeed Al Qaseer, the HR Manager, Mr. Mohammed Abdullah, the Manager of Excellence Department, several Mangers of SEWA departments and a number of the local and global media representatives.

HE Dr. Rashid Al Leem, the Chairman of Sharjah Electricity & Water Authority pointed out that all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure the contribution of individuals, businesses, government departments, companies To highlight our committing to a sustainable lifestyle beyond the hour by turning off the lights and unnecessary home appliances for one hour to assure the importance of preserving natural resources and protecting the environment.

He pointed out that the public will be urged to switch off all unnecessary devices during the One Saving Hour, while businesses, individuals and families also joined hands in observing One Saving Hour. The One Power Saving Hour is one of several initiatives launched by SEWA throughout the year to spread awareness amongst community members on conservation, protect the environment, and build a sustainable future for the Emirate of Sharjah.

As per recent surveys conducted by SEWA on the consumption trends during the last five years, July 1 witnesses the highest demand for power in conjunction with high temperatures and humidity particularly when such time coincides with the holy month of Ramadan.   Therefore such peak time, July 1 from 02:30 to 03:30 pm, has been selected to launch the One Saving Hour Initiative each year to raise the public awareness about the consequences of the high power consumption and its adverse impact on SEWA systems and the environment as general. 

The Chairman announced that Saving Hour will be on July 1 each year from 02:30 pm to 03:30 pm. The individuals, companies, factories, private and government organizations to will be urged to turn off the lights and unnecessary appliances for one hour in peak times, make avail of natural light where possible and check the electrical appliances. The Initiative will focus on spreading the awareness about the importance of regular maintenance of AC units, using the power saving appliances for new buildings, adjusting A/C Thermostat to 24 centigrade in particular in peak times and turning off the AC units when leaving, organizing awareness forums and lectures of the Consultants and real estate offices to encourage them to use power saving systems and ensure the regular maintenance of power devices and stems. A special logo will be launched to high the mission of the One saving Hour Initiative Signboards highlighting the trends and rates of power loads in different times will be erected at major location throughout the city  Awareness messages will be launched through the media to urge the community to avoid using appliances consuming more power such as Electric irons, washing machines, dish washing machines dishes, and electric water heater, and electric furnace during the peak hours in order to enhance the efficiency of power networks, save our natural resources and reduce the CO2 emissions to maintain or environment. SMS messages will be sent to encourage them to contribute and interact with the Initiative.