The summer energy crunch will be here soon, so the government, companies and individuals need to start planning right now for what will surely be a long, hot and energy-crunched summer. Many ideas to save energy have been proposed and a few make good sense, but enacting them requires action now.
Sony has proposed a mandatory two-week summer vacation for its employees. The company says that will save up to 25 percent of energy costs by reducing the operation of air-conditioning, elevators and other facilities for its 16,000 workers. Starting earlier and finishing earlier, and reducing overtime, may soon become necessities. That will create a healthier workplace by giving employees more time to relax, allowing companies greater flexibility and reducing energy consumption.
Companies will need to reconsider their energy consumption and no longer be allowed to excessively use electricity, even if they pay. The Coca-Cola Co. has promised to find ways to reduce the electricity consumed by its 250,000 vending machines. Other beverage industry groups have said they will reduce the power consumed by their 870,000 vending machines by 25 percent.