If you're residing or working in Sharjah, don't forget to switch off your lights and other electrical appliances or rationalise the use of electricity for one hour today from 2.30pm to 3.30pm.

This is in line with the annual initiative launched a couple of years ago by the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (Sewa) called 'One Saving Hour' to conserve energy during peak hours in Sharjah.

Sewa has marked July 1 for this initiative aimed at promoting the culture of conservation and raising awareness about the rational use of electricity, water conservation and reduction of toxic emissions.

According to Sewa, consumption trends during the last five years witnessed the highest demand for power during summer months in conjunction with high temperatures and humidity.

The rationalisation hour initiative will put to the fore the importance of reducing load, especially during peak hours, to preserve energy and reduce emissions.

In a previous interview, Sewa chairman Dr Rashid Al Leem told Khaleej Times that there are 12 initiatives to save energy, including rationalisation hour, peak hour stars, rationalisation partners, peak hour marathon, creation of peak man, be a winner with project and rationalisation leaders.

The projects will be implemented in cooperation with the Islamic Affairs Department and the clean energy leaders project with the Women's Union in Sharjah.

He added that the initiative got huge support from private and government establishments during the last two years and it has attracted a large number of establishments and owners of villas and building from various part of the UAE as well as the GCC, and Arab countries.

Source: Khaleej Times