Deputy Energy Minister Hamid Chitchian has called for reformation of the energy pricing system and said the move will play a major role in reducing energy consumption in the country.
“Unfortunately, consumption in Iran is excessive. For instance, in Iran $1 million worth of national production in industrial, agricultural and services sectors requires 14 times as much energy as in Japan. That is an alarming figure,” he said.
He went on to say that four principles are of great importance in lowering energy consumption in the country: First, the public should be educated about the significant role energy plays in the modern world; second, the energy pricing system needs to be fixed. Of course, the government has taken some steps toward that end and the Targeted Subsidies Act is to be implemented as of late September. Third, an incentive and punishment policy should be in place to cut down energy consumption in the country. “Of course, the incentives and punishments in questions should not necessarily be financial. Some who consume energy excessively might shrug off the bills and say they are willing to pay the actual cost price of electricity. Price is not all that matters; the impact high consumption leaves on the environment should also be taken into account. Fourth, enactment of new regulations and introduction of new standards are also vital. Under present circumstances, even if some were willing to optimize their consumption, the unavailability of energy-efficient appliances serves would be a problem. So, production needs to be standardized.”
He concluded that compliance to the letter with these principles would translate into sustainable supply of energy in the country.

Reporter : mehdi akbarsefat

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Create date : 17 Aug 2010 16:25

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