The Department of Energy (DoE) Visayas Field Office launched the “WattWatch” campaign Friday, a long-term initiative to reduce the environmental and economic impacts of energy waste as electricity demand peaks during the holiday season.

The program aims to recruit at least 1,000 certified “WattWatchers” across the cities of Cebu, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu. To reach this goal, the department is partnering with the Department of Education to tap senior high school students as the campaign’s primary advocates.

Renante Sevilla, the agency’s regional director, said energy conservation is a shared responsibility that begins with minor behavioral changes.

“Simple acts like turning off unused lights, choosing efficient appliances, and improving our daily habits matter,” Sevilla said. “Every watt saved helps our economy, our environment, and our energy security.”

Sevilla cited that the campaign is particularly timely in December, a month when electricity consumption typically surges across the country.