The Energy Commission has urged hotel operators to adopt energy-efficient practices and avoid unregulated or poorly rated appliances to reduce electricity consumption and operating costs.
The Commission advised hotel operators to follow proper installation and usage practices, including keeping refrigerators away from heat sources and minimising the frequent opening of refrigerator doors.
The advice was given during a stakeholder engagement with hotel owners and managers in Tamale, in the Northern Region, organised by the Energy Commission to promote energy efficiency and conservation in the hospitality sector.
Hubert Nsoh Zan, Manager for Energy Efficiency Regulations at the Energy Commission, said the hospitality industry was among the highest consumers of electricity and therefore required targeted interventions to improve energy efficiency.
“The hotels are among the highest consumers of electricity, so we need to engage owners and managers to help them understand energy efficiency, how to identify efficient equipment, and how to conserve electricity to reduce their bills,” he said.
He said improved energy management could help hotels lower their utility bills, improve operational performance and enhance their competitiveness.
Gilbert Dery, Chairman of the Hotels Association, Northern Region, urged members to purchase only regulated and energy-efficient appliances.
He said hotels would gradually phase out poorly rated air conditioners and refrigerators and replace them with energy-efficient alternatives, while switching to LED lighting to reduce electricity costs and protect their profitability.
Mr Dery said the move towards energy efficiency was motivated not only by the need to reduce operational costs but also by environmental considerations.
The hospitality industry is a major consumer of electricity, with hotels relying heavily on power for lighting, air conditioning, heating, laundry and kitchen operations.
The Energy Commission said engaging hotel operators was therefore critical to implementing the new regulatory framework, strengthening compliance and promoting best practices in energy management.
The Commission said adopting improved energy practices could deliver significant economic and environmental benefits, including lower utility bills, improved efficiency and reduced energy consumption.
Abigail Adjei, General Manager of Modern City Hotel, expressed appreciation to the Energy Commission for the training, saying it had improved her understanding of how to calculate energy usage and identify opportunities for savings.
She also appealed to hotel guests to switch off lights, fans, air conditioners and other electrical appliances when leaving their rooms.
Ms Adjei said careless use of electrical appliances by guests increased the operating costs of hotels and undermined efforts to conserve energy.
