Take your suits off to save energy, HCMC says

By Gia Minh May 18, 2023 | 01:29 am PT

The air conditioner at set at 27 degrees Celsius at a house in HCMC. Photo by VnExpress/Huy Duc

HCMC authorities have recommended that people do not wear fancy clothes such as suits to work, as part of efforts to reduce energy use from air conditioning.

The HCMC People’s Committee earlier this week proposed solutions for energy saving as summer arrives, including recommending office and governmental buildings turn on air conditioners an hour later than usual, and turn them off an hour earlier than usual.

It also recommended reducing the level of lighting in hallways and public spaces by half, as well as cutting elevator usage in half.

The energy-saving measures are proposed to run from May 15 to June 30.

Vietnam’s energy demand is on the rise as summer arrives, and may continue to be high all the way through June and July.

Vietnam Electricity said demand throughout the country reached a record 895 million kWh on May 6, an over 12% increase on the same period last year.

The impact of the El Nino weather front will also likely cause severe water shortages, which may affect electricity production.

Experts recommend setting air conditioner temperatures to no more than 10 degrees Celsius lower than outside to save energy.