DOE issues rules on choice of renewable energy resources by end-users

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Energy (DOE) has finally issued rules that will allow end-users to choose renewable energy (RE) resources for their electricity requirements.

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi recently signed a circular (DC) that lays down the rules and guidelines governing the establishment of the Green Energy Option Program pursuant to the Renewable Energy Act of 2008.

The GEOP rules establish the general guidelines and procedures governing transactions between consumers, RE suppliers and network service providers on the matter of choosing and using RE resources at the least cost and in a sustainable manner.

“A voluntary program, all end-users with a monthly average peak demand of 100 kW and above for the past 12 months may opt to participate in the GEOP,” it said.

Those with an average peak demand below 100 kW may also participate in the GEOP, but only after the DOE, in consultation with the National Renewable Energy Board and industry stakeholders, determines that the technical requirements and standards are met by the end-user.

With the promulgation of the GEOP rules, the DOE hopes to attract more consumers to source their power from RE.

The DOE believes the GEOP will not only promote sustainability, but also empower more Filipinos by giving them a wider variety of options for their energy requirements.

The program is also in consonance with the DOE strategy to aggressively promote the development, utilization, and commercialization of indigenous and clean sources of energy, while ensuring the sustainable and secure supply of power for the country.