Energy Bureau urges broad participation in survey on energy use
By The Star Staff
The Puerto Rico Energy Bureau (PREB) wants Puerto Rico energy consumers to participate in a study on energy use on the island.
“Everyone’s participation will be essential in order to develop programs that help reduce costs of energy and create a more sustainable and secure energy future,” the energy regulator said.
Residential consumers can participate by taking a digital survey designed to gather information about home energy use, from lighting to the appliances they use daily. As part of the residential effort, those who complete the survey can participate in a home visit, where the program’s research staff can gather additional information to better understand energy use and needs.
Commercial consumers such as offices, doctors’ offices and small businesses also need to participate by providing tours of their facilities to program researchers so they can evaluate loads and energy use. All data collected in surveys and visits will be confidential, and the information will never be attributed to specific people, households or businesses.
“The participation of residential and commercial consumers in Puerto Rico is essential to ensure the success of this study,” said Edgardo Contreras Aponte, director of the PREB’s Engineering Office. “We invite you to participate in this important effort for our island, including Vieques and Culebra. By helping us collect information about how energy is used, we will be able to create a more efficient and energy-secure future.”
The results of thE effort will benefit “both to the residential and commercial sectors, aimed at saving energy costs for Puerto Rican consumers, as well as mitigating damage to the environment,” he added.
To ensure the quality and confidentiality of the data, the study will be administered by the Institute for Building Technology and Safety (IBTS), a nonprofit organization with local offices based in San Juan. IBTS has been working for and in Puerto Rico for 10 years, with a focus on providing renewable energy services. Following hurricanes Irma and Maria, it has collaborated with municipalities, community groups, and the central government in their recovery efforts.
According to IBTS project manager Gabby Geraci, participating in the survey will be easy.
“The online survey takes just a few minutes to complete, and home visits will take approximately one hour, and 90 minutes for a business.”
The PREB, an arm of the Public Service Regulatory Board, is responsible for regulating, supervising and enforcing the public energy policy of the Puerto Rico government. Its mission is to achieve a reliable, efficient and transparent electrical system that provides reasonably priced energy services.