STO inaugurates ‘Hakathari’ energy efficiency labelling

State Trading Organization (STO) on Thursday became the first to commence using ‘Hakathari’ – energy efficiency labels on products sold by the company.

The initiative by the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Technology is a program aimed at ensuring customers are informed of the energy efficiency levels of the products they are purchasing.

During a special ceremony held at STO People’s Choice Supermart, the programme was kicked off by the company’s Managing Director Hussain Amru Mohamed Rashaad and the Minister of E Environment, Climate Change and Technology Aminath Shauna.

The labelling will be on household appliances that most frequently use electricity such as refrigerators, air conditioners and washing machines. It will also give information on hourly loads, as well as the amount of electricity consumed within a year.

Furthermore, the sticker includes a five-star rating of the product on energy efficiency.

Speaking at the event, Minister Shauna said that the main purpose of this programme was to cut down dependency on fossil fuels.

“In addition to renewable energy investment, we need to ensure the electrical equipments used in our homes and businesses are energy-efficient products.”

She added that using these products will help the general public to reduce the amount of money spent on electricity.

The Environment ministry granted approval to STO on May 13 to use these labels, marking it the first company authorized to use them.