The business sector in Cebu is studying the proposal for a four-day work week and other energy-saving schemes in an answer to the thinning supply of power in the Visayas.
Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry External Vice President Lito Fruelda said there are certainly sub-sectors in business that will not be in favor of the proposed scheme.
The manufacturing sector, Fruelda said, will be one of the most affected sub-sectors if the measure is implemented since they have a daily quota.
“The measure is also too complex that it needs a legislative measure to thresh out all the needed synchronization with the schedules of the government agencies, the academe and all others,” Fruelda said.
The scheme was already implemented by government agencies in 2004 and though there were savings observed in terms of energy consumption, the workers were reportedly stressed out.
He said, workers’ daily working hours are extended in order to complete the 48-hour week requirement.
“If it benefits majority of the sector then yes we are okay with it,” Fruelda said.
Another suggestion from the National Power Corporation is to shift most work load to off peak hours of the power supply.
NPC corporate staff specialist Moses Red said, power rates are cheapest from 2 a.m. to 7 a.m. at P1.38 per kilowatt-hour.
“Perhaps some of the businesses can shift the load of their work on this time,” Red said.
Furthermore Fruelda said they are also collating energy cost saving and reduction practices among companies and establishments. — Ferliza C. Contratista/BRP