Guangdong province, one of China's energy-thirsty manufacturing bases, will observe an "Energy Shortage Experience Day" with much fanfare today.

As part of the 19th annual national publicity week on energy saving that started on Sunday, this campaign of civil servants going for a day without cars and air-conditioners should be of more than symbolic significance in this energy-hungry province and country.

Granted, the problem of energy shortage looks less acute this year. But the worst global recession in many decades has hit the country's leading export hub of Guangdong harder than any other province.

However, the temporary adequacy of energy does not change the fact that this manufacturing powerhouse needs to upgrade its industrial structure; and, that too as soon as possible to avoid energy bottlenecks that can hamper its development.

The Experience Day, as a demonstration of the local government's resolve to cut energy use, will definitely impart a sense of urgency to energy conservation among civil servants.

With less driving, air-conditioning and office lighting, local officials will get a small taste of the big energy challenge the nation faces. Such first-hand experience of energy shortage can be valuable if it makes the officials arrive at sound decisions on energy use.

More important, the campaign can be expanded with greater public participation to drive home a key message about energy conservation: The bigger the consumer, the greater his role in making the country go green.

Statistics show that China's governmental institutions account for about 5 percent of the nation's total electricity consumption with per capita consumption being many times more than the national average.

If the country is to save more energy, big users like government departments are obliged to do more than most residents are expected to do. In particular, when the poor use energy as a necessity, any form of energy consumption that is luxurious or wasteful should be subject to prohibitive charges.

As a pioneer of reforms, Guangdong has set an example of rapid economic growth over the past three decades. Now, it is hoped that the province will also take the lead on energy conservation in the course of its further industrial development.

The Experience Day is a good publicity measure. To address the looming energy shortage, a key challenge for Guangdong as well as China, this occasion should be used to raise awareness that makes energy conservation an everyday virtue.

(China Daily June 16, 2009)