São Tomé and Príncipe holds the first workshop on energy labeling for lighting and electrical appliances

Under the policies of Promotion and Investment in Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency in the electric sector of São Tomé and Príncipe, financed by GEF through  UNIDO, implemented by the Directorate General of Natural Resources and Energy, the first workshop for the Development and Application of Minimum Standards of Energy Performance for lighting and appliances in São Tomé and Príncipe  took place last january 21th, in the auditorium of the Brazil/S.Tomé Training Center.

This measure aims to contribute to increasing national capacity in the acquisition of energy-efficient appliances, in accordance with quality standards.  To this end, the following consultancy activities will be carried out:

• Development of a basic assessment of the market conditions, an implementation and compliance framework and of Minimum Energy Performance Standards for lighting, air conditioning and refrigerators;
• Conceptualization of a labeling program for lighting, air conditioning and refrigerators;
• Writing of a regulation for the implementation and enforcement of Members of Parliament and a labelling programme;
• Training, Awareness Creation, Workshops and Webinar.

This first mission arises in order to evaluate the basic market conditions regarding technical information of lighting and appliances more commercialized and used by the population at the national level.

It is expected with this work to obtain a  clear legal definition of the Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and the conceptualization of a labeling program for these electrical equipment that allows:

• Reduce maximum electricity demand and thereby reduce pressure on the electricity grid. In addition, the new electrification plans being developed will reach a higher percentage of the population and, consequently, reduce future government public spending;
• Reduce global electricity consumption and bills for consumers, who will spend a fraction of their income on energy. This is especially important for low-income households, for whom the high price of electricity is an obstacle to meeting their basic needs
• MEPS and the labelling of household appliances serve as a powerful tool to inform consumers about differences in energy performance. This will direct consumers to buy more efficient appliances.

 Source  Ⓒ UNIDO