SMEs told to implement energy saving measures

CEBU, Philippines - The Filipino-Cebuano Business Club Inc. has urged small and medium enterprises to implement energy saving measures to save electricity and cut their energy bills at the same time.

FCBCI President Rey Calooy particularly called on SME owners to start investing into energy efficiency amid the current power supply issue in Cebu.

While Calooy claimed that SMEs are the most affected when a power interruption hits because of their limited resources, he also emphasized the need for them to operate more sustainably nowadays.

Limiting electricity consumption is one key to sustainability and reducing energy costs.

Being an energy-efficient enterprise is essential to business survival and also creates a good contribution to the environment. 

In an interview, the official suggested that air-conditioning thermostat must be set at 25 degrees centigrade which is also the recommendation of the Department of Energy. 

“Lowering [the thermostat] will reduce your consumption,” said Calooy, who is owner of local firm RNC Marketing.

He also suggested the use of inventer type air-conditioner which consumes less power than the traditional one.

Some members of FCBCI, composed of more or less 200 Metro Cebu-based businesses, have started to convert to the inventer type which is said to cut 20-30% electricity consumption, he said.

Investing into renewable energy like solar power could also help generate additional power for companies.

These energy saving tips could also apply to ordinary consumers. 

Calooy said that during an electricity loss, small firms have to adopt temporary solutions such as changing production schedule and renting power generators to mitigate its impact.

Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Jeruel Roa earlier said that if consumers are informed well on the power situation, they can decide on the adjustments they have to do “to cope with the situation and reduce damage. (FREEMAN)