Conserve energy, pay less

Reading Anne Zammit's constructive contribution (The Sunday Times, July 22) I was surprised by her opening paragraph. She seems to be pleased by the householders' energy-saving measures. On the contrary, I think that there is a lot of convincing to work on.

For example, most households have a 50/50 fridge-freezer, with the freezer holding far more than a week's food supply. As though that is not enough, most have an extra freezer fully loaded. (As if a third world war were round the corner).

So put that on a national scale, and you end up with hundreds of tons of food, hoarded, well below freezing point, all the year round, for no good reason. It does not even save you visits to the supermarket, because one has to return for fresh supplies anyway, like milk, bread and vegetables.

The same with water geysers, where a 30-litre tank is enough for a family of four, using the efficient shower. Most families have an over-sized 80-100 litres water geyser, so again a lot of hot water goes to waste all the year round. The electric kettle is another culprit, so one can change that for a gas kettle, with the same efficiency.

All this can be considered by the consumer if Enemalta gave detailed costings for each item in our homes. (In liri and cents, not in kilo-watts which very few understand). Then if consumption is lower, the surcharge is lower. Less stress on the power stations, which in turn burn less fuel, which is good for the environment. So, go on Enemalta, do your but, even if it's late.