BISHKEK (TCA) — The non-governmental organization UNISON convened an event last week with leading energy-sector policy-makers to formally close the nationwide public outreach campaign “Be Warm, Kyrgyzstan!” UNISON’s five-month campaign, supported by the United States through USAID, conducted 575 workshops across the country, teaching over 25,000 households low-cost techniques to lower their electricity and heating bills and keep their homes and families warm through the winter, the US Embassy in Bishkek reported.
“After attending UNISON’s meeting, I replaced my old light bulbs with new energy-efficient ones,” said Azimjan Erkebayev from Gulistan Village of Nookat District. “They were more expensive up-front, but my monthly electricity bill was cut in half. The investment quickly paid for itself.”
A follow-up survey by UNISON indicates the campaign helped save more than 421,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity and contributed to the nationwide 13% drop in electricity consumption this February compared with 2015, which was reported by the National Electric Transmission Company. The reduction is attributed to warm weather conditions and “more economical and rational behavior” of consumers.
Additionally, this past winter, UNISON community service centers helped 40 families stay warm by resolving electricity billing issues that were causing frequent disconnections. Also, in January, the UNISON service center in Avletim Village of Aksy District in Jalal-Abad helped customers lobby the local energy company to replace an old transformer, and ensure reliable electricity supply through the winter for 270 families.
“Civil society plays a critical role in the energy sector,” said USAID’s Erkin Konurbaev. “Technical experts from the non-government sector can help the government improve policies, while community trainers can partner with electricity companies to help consumers conserve electricity, improve customer services and satisfaction.”
In addition to workshops, UNISON produced and distributed a calendar that provides consumers with simple energy conservation tips as well as a manual highlighting 100 simple ways that customers can conserve energy in their homes.
