Probably, this winter has been the hardest in the life of Tajik people since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Two to three hours of electricity and natural gas daily is not enough to heat houses. Demand is rising, but the government cannot satisfy people’s needs and wants. Maybe it is a high time for us to think about energy conservation as other countries do.

In Thailand, for instance, Demand-Side Management Office (DSMO) reduced electricity demand of the country by promoting energy-efficient compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), which require much less electricity than usual lamps. DSMO launched a marketing and public awareness program that attracted and educated many people.

If such programs will be held in Tajikistan and lamps will be changed to CFLs, Tajik citizens can use electricity longer and pay less.

People do not want watts of electricity or tons of natural gas. What they want is warm houses in winter and good health. The service that energy gives for people is very important, but usually amount used does not bother them. Therefore, people need knowledge about energy efficiency.

I am sure once we take the path of energy conservation and transform to CFLs, the winter will not become that hard and cold.