The Government's top 20 power consumers have saved about $78 million annually through electricity-conservation measures, the Secretary for the Environment, Transport & Works says.

In response to a question from Legislative Councillor Emily Lau, Dr Sarah Liao said the savings represents about 4.5% of the total power tariffs for the departments.

According to Dr Liao, the Electrical & Mechanical Services Department has been conducting energy audits for public buildings since 1995 to identify areas of high power consumption and measures to enhance energy efficiency.

So far, 154 public buildings have been audited, Dr Liao said, adding that the subsequent energy-saving measures and facilities implemented in these buildings resulted in an annual reduction of power consumption by 14,000 MWh.

Speaking on the measures to encourage conservation of electricity among electricity users in private buildings, Dr Liao noted that the Government implemented a pilot scheme in June 2000 to permit the use of fresh water for operating water-cooled air-conditioning systems in non-residential buildings at designated locations. 

The Government has received 19 applications involving a total floor area of 1 million square metres with an estimated annual power saving of 11,400MWh.

In addition, the Government signed the Demand Side Management Agreements with the two power companies in May 2000, prompting them to introduce the Non-residential Energy Efficient Lighting Rebate Programme in 2000 and the Non-residential Energy Efficient Air-conditioner Rebate Programme in 2001.

The two companies' customers conserved about 54,000 MWh of power consumption in 2000 and 2001 through the use of more energy-efficient electrical appliances and green practices.

Dr Liao stressed that the Government attaches great importance to publicity and public education and will continue the various initiatives to encourage Government departments, the private sector, and the general public to conserve energy.