Retiree wins top prize in NEA's 10% Energy Challenge

Lynda Hong, Channel NewsAsia 13 Nov 08;

SINGAPORE: Some 2,500 households took part in the National Environment Agency's (NEA) 10% Energy Challenge, which was held from May to August this year.

NEA said the average monthly household electricity consumption dipped by 4 per cent during the campaign, compared to the same period last year.

Wong Hwee Kiat, a retiree, managed to reduce energy consumption in his house by nearly 30 per cent every month since the NEA campaign started in May this year.

He uses energy efficient light bulbs and has stopped using the air-conditioning which he finds consumes the most amount of energy. This has helped him to reduce his utility bills, which is now in the S$80 range.

Mr Wong, who lives in a six-room executive flat with his wife and daughter, said all it took was a bit of adjusting.

"Initially, it was a bit uncomfortable without the air-conditioning. But gradually, it became a habit. It's human nature to want to enjoy luxury," he said.

Mr Wong was also the winner of the NEA challenge's lucky draw top prize, which is a S$90,000 fuel efficient hybrid car.


- CNA/so