Customers worried that they may be spending too much on electricity can get a free evaluation from the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC).

Engineers will review appliances and consumption history and tell you whether they are operating efficiently or should be replaced. Consumers will not be forced to take the advice and the wervice is free regardless of the assessment made.

Minister of State for the Environment Phenton Neymour said BEC customers should call as soon as possible at 302-1000.

The program began last month and will continue until September.

Mr Neymour, a professional engineer, performed his own energy audit and reduced his home energy consumption by at least 30 per cent.

“My house does not have an air condition because there are certain design features I put into the design of my home to reduce energy consumption,” said Mr Neymour.

“As I like to say, older Bahamians were no fools when they built their homes with high pitched roofs and windows on the top of the pitch. When they opened that window, the hot air would rise and be able to escape.”

Air-conditioning, water heaters, and fuel for cars are the three basic areas where energy is mostly consumed.

“If you have a solar water heater, the sun will heat the water up, so you save on electricity and the heater pays for itself,” said Mr Neymour.

“Now is the time we need to address energy consumption in all sectors of our economy because going green is going Bahamian.”

The audit is expected to include 4,000 homes.

Apply online by emailing energysurvey.bec.gmail.com or calling 302-1797, 302-100 ext 2304.

Read more here at the BEC website