DoE proposes gov’t energy conservation
If the private sector can be more fully mobilized voluntarily and empower itself through efficient energy management, we can achieve more
Daily TribuneIf the private sector can be more fully mobilized voluntarily and empower itself through efficient energy management, we can achieve more
The Department of Energy has submitted a proposed administrative order to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. that will hasten the implementation of policies reducing energy consumption in government offices.
Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said the proposal can help generate an annual savings of at least P7 billion or equivalent to energy savings of 347.42 megawatts as part of the government's efforts to institutionalize energy efficiency and conservation.
"This is on the part of the government alone. If the private sector can be more fully mobilized voluntarily and empower itself through efficient energy management, we can achieve more," Lotilla said in his speech during the Energy Efficiency Excellence Awards last 22 December.
To date, the country has 4,241 designated establishments from the commercial, industrial, and transportation sectors implementing various projects to reduce energy consumption.
Savings worth P4.5B
These projects had a total investment worth P4.5 billion or an equivalent of 491.75 gigawatt-hours of energy savings.
Lotilla said the DoE will push to increase these numbers, reiterating that energy efficiency and conservation is a key policy solution to high energy costs, energy security, and the threat of climate change.
As of 13 December. Lotilla said the government energy conservation efforts already resulted in savings of about P284.93 million.
Republic Act 11285 or the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act in 2019 established a framework to institutionalize fundamental policies on EEC, promote the efficient and judicious use of all energy resources, and increase the use of energy-efficient and renewable-energy technologies.
Last 22 December, the DoE announced the 2022 Energy Efficiency Excellence Awards recipients.
Twenty-four out of 327 entries from private and government entities were recognized for their exceptional implementation of energy efficiency programs and innovation and adoption of energy efficiency conservation best practices.
These twenty-four entities covering the industrial, commercial, and government establishments generated a total savings of 36,944,319.75 kWh of electricity, 60,912.55 liters of diesel, and 44,059 liters of gasoline, respectively.
The EEE Awards is an annual event of the DOE in recognition of the outstanding achievements and best practices of the buildings, industries, groups, individuals, and the government sector in implementing EEC in their respective facilities.
