DOE brings solar power to E. Samar households

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Energy (DOE) has energized 375 households in Eastern Samar as part of its Household Electrification Program (HEP).

Through the program, the DOE implemented the installation of solar home systems, which include three units of three-watt LED lights and one unit of one-watt LED light with built-in radio and cell phone charger.

The DOE started the installation in the last week of June and expects it to be completed by mid-August.

Of the 375 households in Eastern Samar, the DOE energized 220 households in Oras town, 71 households in Arteche, 59 households in Quinapondan, and 25 households in General MacArthur.

The DOE will also implement the program for 425 households in Don Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental in August.

“This undertaking is considered a highlight in the implementation of the HEP as most beneficiaries in this municipality are rebel returnees and indigenous people groups,” the DOE said.

Also in the target list of beneficiaries are the fishing communities in Higatangan Island and Naval, Biliran with 50 target households as well as in the upland farming communities in Mahaplag and Burauen in Leyte with 60 target households.

The DOE is eyeing to implement the program in these areas in September 2014.

The HEP is the energization of off-grid households utilizing renewable energy technologies such as solar home systems.