Item 6: Summary of an article

Recently, there is an increasing concern on the problem in the abundance of fossil fuels for the world’s energy consumption. As the demand for the fossil fuel is higher than the supply, the cost for these natural resources will naturally increase. Because of the increasing cost of fuel, Singapore Power has to increase the electricity tariff by 22%. To cut down on the power bills, businesses have to go green by reducing the use of electrical power and hence, help to reduce the carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere by the generator. In the pursuit for businesses to go green and cut power bills, the Singapore government has provided many new initiatives to assist them.

Firstly, $6million is used to train energy managers. They will acquire the professional skills during their course of training to help companies in planning the most energy efficient plan. They will be able to assist the companies to cut down their power usage too. Secondly, The National Environment Agency (NEA) would help and subsidies the company for designing their workplace in a most energy-efficient manner. This is to reduce the carbon dioxide been generated and at the same time, reduce the energy wastage. NEA will also provide more monetary assistance to add energy-saving equipment and energy audits for the companies. These include the switching to a more efficient generators, air-conditioners and light bulbs. Lastly, grants will be given to firms to take on projects that use less fossil fuel or produce less carbon dioxide. These encourage the firms in cutting down their use of power energy and also to minimise the release of greenhouse gas.

There are number reasons on why government have to put in so much effort for the businesses to go green. First of all, the government is promoting a cleaner environment for us to work in. The second reason is, reduce in energy usage will reduce the use of fossil fuel and hence reduce carbon dioxide emission. Finally, all these initiatives will help the companies to cut down their power bills.

All in all, with the help of the government, businesses still can function normally and generate revenue for the economy without doing much harm to the environment. However, each individual plays a vital role in helping the companies to cut down the electricity usage. If they do not help to save energy by switching off any appliances or lights when not in used, the amount of assistance given by the government to aid them will be fruitless.

Reference
Kesava, S. (2008, October 18). New ways to help businesses cut power bills. The Straits
Times, p. H3.