AS high energy costs hit the balance sheets of government and businesses in Cambodia, a Malaysian-based company hopes to market advanced energy-saving technology that may increase efficiency by 30 percent.

Bluecros, which manufactures and sells the Energy Saving System (ESS), claims its products could dramatically improve energy savings in Cambodia.

"If City Hall spends US$1 million on energy, installing the ESS will save the city $300,000 per month. After five years, the city's savings would allow it to reinvest in other aspects of infrastructure," Michael Shak, the international marketing manager at Bluecros, told the Post.

"I've come to share my experience in energy-saving technology as Cambodia struggles with shortfalls and rising costs," he said.

Shak said he will meet with municipal officials and local bankers interested in the ESS system for Phnom Penh building complexes, offices and public lighting throughout the city.

"Previously, we installed the ESS system for street lamps on Mao Tse Tung Boulevard in 2003, and most of the lamps are still functioning after five years," he said.

International presence

He said the ESS system is used in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, including the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

"This system will help save a minimum of 30 percent on monthly electricity bills," Shak said.

Soong Siew Hoong, secretary general for the Associated Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia, told the Post the Cambodian government should consider reducing import taxes on businesses or others interested in purchasing the ESS technology.

"I don't know what policies the Cambodian government might have, but if you import energy-saving equipment, you should be given a tax reduction as a way of encouraging more investment in efficient technology," he said.

Ith Praing, secretary of state at the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy, said he has not seen the ESS technology and suggested other methods for greater efficiency.

"Everyone knows ways to cut energy by 20 percent," he said.

"This is the season where the sun rises earlier, so lights should be turned off by 5am and not turned on until 6pm," he added.

The integrated power management system relies heavily on heat reduction, high-tech lighting and energy efficiency devices.