DOE to accelerate energy efficiency, conservation

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Energy (DOE) seeks to boost the implementation of energy efficiency and conservation (EEC) measures in the country, with almost P7 billion in estimated savings annually for the government.

Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said the DOE has submitted to the Office of the President a proposed administrative order that would further accelerate the implementation of EEC policies and resolutions.

Lotilla said this is expected to result in annual government savings of almost P7 billion or equivalent to energy savings of 347.42 megawatts (MW).

“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. Please let us continue to do our share and encourage others to do the same,” Lotilla said.

Republic Act 11285 or the EEC 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.

To spearhead the implementation of the EEC Act, Lotilla said the DOE, through the Inter-Agency Energy Efficiency and Conservation Committee, has issued various resolutions to reduce the consumption of electricity and fuel of the government by at least 10 percent consistent with the provisions of the government energy management program.

He said these included using energy-efficient LED lamps and inverter-type air-conditioning or similar equivalent technologies in all government entities, local government units, and foreign services posts.

“These resolutions also aim to augment the country’s economic recovery due to the adverse effect of the steep global prices of petroleum products in the local market and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Lotilla said.

“I am happy to note that with these policies issued by the government, as of Dec. 13, 2022, the government has already saved P284.93 million,” he  said.

Lotilla said there are also 4,241 designated establishments from the commercial, industrial, and transportation sectors implementing various projects to reduce their energy consumption to date.