Reducing energy consumption the Light Eco way

With the tightening of the supply of oil in the international market and the impending implementation of the expanded value-added (EVAT) tax law that repealed the exemption for oil and power, more and more people are looking for ways to cut their energy consumption.

Even President Arroyo has ordered the implementation of energy conservation measures to reduce the country’s demand for oil and subsequently save up on precious foreign exchange.

At the outset, 10 measures were recommended for accelerated implementation. These are expected to cut the country’s fuel consumption by 1.34 million barrels of fuel oil equivalent or savings of close to P4.1 billion a year.

One company that is heeding the call of the times is Buffalo Industries.

Since 2002, Buffalo Industries as the exclusive distributor of Light Eco in the Philippines, has been helping commercial and industrial companies reduce their energy consumption.

"Light Eco works on fluorescent lamps. The device works on the principle that fluorescent lights only need 220 volts on start-up to ignite the gases. Once lit, the power can be reduced. Light Eco lowers the voltage from 220 volts to about 190 volts. That’s where you start saving," Buffalo Industries President Jose Villa said.

The energy-saving device guarantees to cut electric bills by as much as 10 percent to 25 percent due to a 30 percent to 35 percent reduction in lighting energy consumption.

He stressed that the company offers a 60-day money back guarantee.

"If we are not able to reduce their electricity consumption, we will remove our units, reinstate their wiring, and return their money;" Villa said.

The purchase of Light Eco is not a decision to spend extra money, it is a decision whether to spend the money on electricity or on a system to reduce costs and make on going improvements to the budget.

Villa believes that no other product can provide this level of savings and maintain the lighting integrity of the premises.

To help companies, Buffalo Industries, with the support of PNOC-DES can offer financial assistance to companies wanting to install Light Eco today. Villa pointed out that the cost of the supply and installation of Light Eco could be amortized over 12 months.

The need for devices that would help people save on energy cost is reflected in the company’s sales. In 2003, or during the year when Light-Eco was introduced in the market, Buffalo Industries immediately sold 100 units.

Buffalo Industries’ boast of a long list of clients that include residential condominium Aspen Tower, Renaissance, The Ritz; manufacturing companies YKK, Mariwasa, Essilor Philippines; commercial buildings The Enterprise, Makati Stock Exchange, Philippine Stock Exchange, retail outlets Shell Service Station, KFC, and just recently shopping malls The Pavilion Mall and Shangri-la Mall in EDSA.

Villa added that establishments operating 24 hours-7days like call centers, hospitals and hotels would benefit the most from using this device just like Delos Santos Medical Center and The Bellevue Manila Hotel.

Villa has also introduced a range of energy saving devices for motors early this year. These include Variable Speed Drives made in Finland and Soft Starters made in Singapore.