Ecobreves – CHILE: Ecologists Applaud Energy Efficiency Plan

By IPS Correspondents and - - Reprint | | Print |

SANTIAGO, Jan 29 2005 (IPS) - The non-governmental Sustainable Chile Program congratulated Economy Minister Jorge Rodríguez for presenting a National Energy Efficiency Project, which includes standards for both the public and private sectors for rational use and saving energy. ''We cannot allow that the country's economy grows 3.5 percent but energy consumption grows seven percent a year. This is a sign of inefficiency and intensive energy use, which generates more use of fuel and more pollution,'' Sustainable Chile director Sara Larraín told Tierramérica.

The plan presented by Rodríguez is the first of its kind in Chile. It establishes rules for electronic equipment and includes specific programs for mining, trade and public lighting.

Restrictions in natural gas supplies from Argentina prompted the government to develop this new plan.