THE Government has said that energy efficient technology is the only solution to the problem of climate change.

Speaking during the launch of the Energy Conservation Week, Energy and Water

Development Minister, Kenneth Konga, said that the world was moving towards energy efficient technologies because of the fear of the effects of climate change.

The theme of the commemorations is: Promoting energy efficiency, through competitiveness, diversification and education.

He said that it was important that consumers were made aware of how to conserve energy through various energy saving equipment that is available on the market.

Mr Konga assured companies dealing in energy saving equipment of continued Governmen support.

Rural Electrification Authority chief executive officer, Wilfred Serenje said that efficient, affordable and clean energy supply was a key to poverty reduction and economic growth.

Zesco acting managing director, Musonda Chibulu, said following the economic growth that the nation has been experiencing in the last 10 years, it was vital that power conservation and energy efficiency was addressed in an aggressive manner.

Meanwhile, the Government has developed guidelines that will ensure security of supply of energy resources in the country.

Energy Deputy Minister, Allan Mbewe, said in Kitwe that the Government had seen the security of supply being challenged both in the electricity and petroleum sub-sectors.

He said even though the country seemed to have an improvement in the supply, the challenges were still many in the sector.

Mr Mbewe said the Government had come up with programmes on energy conservation aimed at changing consumer attitudes towards energy use.

The deputy minister assured companies involved in the promotion of energy-saving equipment of the Government's support.

He said the initiative would help the socio-economic development of the country.

"Like all progressive initiatives, the results may not be here in the short term, but the seeds that we are planting today through this initiative will definitely be ours to harvest from in the future," he said.

And Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) commercial director, Rowland Lwindi said the company was committed to the development of the hydro electricity potential in Zambia.

He said this was evidenced by the company's involvement in the Greenfield Kabompo gorge hydro-electric project and its interest in the development of the Kafue lower hydro project.

He said CEC was ready to partner with other private and public sector players to develop the massive hydro potential available in the country.

He said CEC was working with its customers to promote energy efficiency and that it intends to phase out inefficient mercury vapour lamps, which most of its customers were still using and introduce more efficient lighting appliances.

Copperbelt University public relations officer, Grace Mikunga, said the institution was determined to play its role in contributing to energy awareness to industry and commercial enterprises.