S’pore public sector to cut electricity use, businesses & households urged to follow suit

Singapore government agencies have been directed to reduce electricity consumption across public facilities, as the authorities step up energy conservation efforts.

This comes amid global fuel supply disruptions linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Measures include setting indoor air-conditioning temperatures to 25°C or higher, switching off non-essential equipment when not in use, and actively managing operating hours for lighting, lifts, and cooling systems.

In a joint statement on Apr. 8, the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) and National Environment Agency (NEA) said the public sector is "taking the lead" in a wider national push to conserve energy.

Conservation measures

All ministries, departments, organs of state, and statutory boards have been instructed to implement immediate conservation measures where practicable, the statement said.

Public officers have also been advised to adopt everyday habits such as switching off lights, monitors and air-conditioning when not needed.

In addition, agencies will accelerate the installation of energy-efficient systems such as LED lighting and smart sensors.

These measures "demonstrate the government's commitment to lead by example in national energy conservation efforts," said MSE and NEA.

Households encouraged to set air-con to 25°C

The government also urged businesses, households, and individuals to follow suit.

They can take simple steps to reduce electricity use, for instance:

• Using fans instead of air-conditioning where possible
• Setting air-conditioning to 25°C or higher
• Switching appliances off at the power socket
• Choosing higher tick-rating appliances
• Walking, cycling or taking public transport

The agencies called it a "whole-of-nation effort" and said that everyone has a part to play in strengthening Singapore's energy resilience.

Electricity prices expected to rise further: DPM Gan Kim Yong

Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong said in parliament on Apr. 7 that Singaporeans should be prepared for higher electricity costs as the Middle East conflict disrupts global energy supplies.

About 95 per cent of Singapore’s electricity is generated from natural gas, whose prices are tied to global markets.

“We should therefore expect a much sharper increase in the next tariff adjustment, which will fully reflect the higher cost of fuel.”

He added that households are likely to feel the impact through higher prices for electricity, transport and daily necessities.

He called on all Singaporeans, government, businesses, and households to do their part to conserve energy.

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