March 15, UN World Consumers Day, marks an international day of action as consumer groups in 113 countries around the world protest against unsustainable, unaffordable and unjust access to energy.

VOICE and its associate organizations along with other consumer rights bodies will be congregating at IIC, Lodhi Road, New Delhi on 17th March 2006 , 9 AM to celebrate the event which has as its central theme “Energy: Sustainable Access for All”. Consumer action groups all over the world shall be lobbying with their respective governments, confronting industry executives and igniting public debate around the theme. The timing of the event is especially significant as G8 energy ministers shall be meeting for crucial talks in Moscow.

Sustainable access to energy matters to everyone because supply cannot meet consumer demand:

World energy demand is set to increase 60 % by 2030.Residential electricity demand will rise 119% over the same period.
2.4 billion people still use biomass (such as wood, straw and dung) as prime sources of fuel. This will increase to 2.6 billion by 2030.

Energy inefficiency is damaging the environment :

“Stand by” mode on domestic appliances accounts for 10% of OECD energy use and up to half of the electricity used by PC’s TV’s and VCR’s.
Electricity accounts for 38% of the worlds CO2 emissions.

To meet these short and long term challenges, VOICE believes that Governments, industry and consumers must work together for safer, more efficient and sustainable access to energy. World Consumer Rights Day is an
Ideal opportunity for energy end users to unite and demand to know what governments, regulators and industry is doing to develop affordable,universal provision, that does not damage the environment. This is also the ideal moment to release the comparative product test reports conducted by VOICE ,an activity carried out with periodic regularity in the interest of consumers nationwide.

Special report on promoting energy efficiency:

VOICE recently conducted a Research Study in India and Sri Lanka in joint association with SLEMA, Sri lanka, on promoting energy efficiency . The study was titled “Possible Steps to enhance energy efficiency in CFLs, Ballasts and Ceiling Fans.”. Published in October 2005, it is an indispensable document on intelligent uses of energy.

Launch of online magazine

VOICE also takes the opportunity to launch its online magazine on this momentous occasion for the benefit of consumers spread over a wide geographical expanse.

Comparative Test Reports by VOICE

“Big brands are not always the best brands and consumers should not be driven by irrational judgements. Rather,they should be driven by knowledge and value for money ,which in India is seen in smaller and more insignificant brands. Complete information must be provided to the consumer so as to give him full value for his money” said Bejon Misra , CEO ,VOICE.

VOICE has recently published two test reports based on comparative testing of the popular consumer items viz.- ceiling fans and thermometers in its magazine “Consumer VOICE”, published bimonthly for consumer awareness and education.

The tests on ceiling fans are especially relevant to the theme for the year 2006 UN theme on World Consumers day.The test reports are an indispensable guide to the informed consumer as they help him choose the most energy –efficient fan. Extensive testing of 12 brands highlighted the following eye opening facts:

VOICE tests reveal that while an average fan costs Rs.800 only, it guzzles energy worth Rs.1700 in a year -twice its retail cost!As an average fan is expected to last atleast 25 years, a consumer can end up making an extra investment of Rs.17,500 alone if he buys an energy inefficient fan.

The tests, conducted to check the fans across the three parameters of air delivery, power input and service value confirm Havells and Orient to be the top performers whereas Bajaj, Elpar and MIE are consigned to the bottom of the heap.

The tests conducted on thermometers reveals the shocking fact that despite carrying the mandatory ISI mark, many brands are not accurate in the measurement of temperature besides being below the standardized norms of design and construction.

“Consumer voice has always strived to bring scientific information in terms of value for money for consumers through comparative testing activities and dreams to create informed consumers at the market place.VOICE has already published more than 50 test reports and in the coming years would publish atleast 30 more.”This was said by Mr. H. Wadhwa,General Manager-Technical, VOICE.

Note for editors :
VOICE is a recognized Delhi based nonprofit action group working relentlessly for the cause of consumer awareness and education for over two decades.It has pioneered several organized efforts to champion the cause of consumer rights in numerous areas.Comparative testing of products is only one of the regular activities of VOICE which is aimed at making informed consumers.VOICE is affiliated to various national and international bodies working towards a similar cause and is an officiating member at Govt. committees on consumer issues.