New Energy Saving Measures in Panama

Some public institutions will cut back working hours to 1.30 pm, in order to lower electricity consumption.

Friday, May 3, 2013

From a press release issued by the Government of Panama:

The Government, on the recommendation of the National Energy Secretary, has announced that it will launch new daytime working hours for the public sector starting from Monday, May 6, of 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 pm, in light of the delay in the start of the rainy season, a measure which the Executive is adopting by making a sacrifice so that this action will succeed, said Minister of the Presidency, Roberto Henriquez.

Executive Decree N. 298, also declares that all government agencies should turn on the air conditioners an hour after the start of the working day and two hours prior to its conclusion, with the aim of reducing electricity consumption.

Because the flow in the Bayano and Fortuna basins have not recovered, the measure is aiming to make savings of between 5% and 7% as a first preventive measure. It also orders neon signs in all government institutions to be turned off when work has finished.

The Government is also urging other state bodies and private companies to adopt energy-saving measures similar to the ones being applied by the Executive.

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