Lawmaker wants inverter-type appliances in gov't offices

MANILA, Philippines -A legislator has filed a bill in Congress, requiring all government agencies to use inverter air conditioners and refrigerators to reduce electricity consumption.

Parañaque City Rep. Olivarez, vice chairman of the House Committee on Metro Manila Development, filed House Bill 3882, or the Inverter Act which mandates the State to promote and adapt technology from all sources for national benefit.

Citing studies, Olivarez said the use of inverter air conditioners and refrigerators is gaining popularity because these are more beneficial than non-inverters.

He said the inverter air conditioners save energy up to 80 percent because these reach the set temperature quicker. They are also powerful, comfortable and environment friendly, Olivarez added.

"Inverter air conditioning is more expensive than the non-inverter, but its energy cost is only approximately P12 per kilowatt hour, which in the long term will be more economical to the consumers," Olivarez said.

Under the proposed measure, government officers shall be required to replace their non-inverter air conditioning unit and refrigeration system with inverter type.