The Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) has issued warnings to more than 2,260 customers until September this year for violating the country’s conservation law. The customers were warned through text messages, Kahramaa said yesterday. The violations included keeping the external lights at buildings on between 7am and 4pm and using running hose for washing cars. Vehicle owners have to get their vehicles washed at commercial car wash centres instead of washing them at home, which is punishable under the law, Kahramaa said yesterday. The average outdoor hose uses 20 litres per minute of water while a car wash centre uses less water. Washing a car at home usually requires more than 100 litres of water while a commercial car wash averages about 70 litres. The law strictly warns against using drinking water for washing vehicles and gardening. Article 4 of the law also empowers Kahramaa to impose a fine of not less than QR1,000 and not exceeding QR10,000 on erring consumers. The fine would be doubled if the violation is repeated within three years of the first penalty. As part of implementing the law (No. 26/2008) Kahramaa has already issued new guidelines for installation of electrical equipment and water distribution gadgets in new buildings. As per the guidelines, builders will have to install specific energy saving gadgets in new buildings. Kahramaa will inspect such buildings before giving water and electricity connections. Kahramaa in coordination with the Ministry of Environment is implementing energy efficiency labeling programs for various gadgets. Certain specifications have been fixed for these gadgets and the products which do not meet the standard are not being allowed in Qatar’s market. http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/qatar/260780-kahramaa-issues-warning-to-2260-customers.html

Follow us on our social media channels: @ILQlive @ILQlive @ILoveQtr ILoveQatar