VECO reports 1.91MW load drop during Earth Hour 2025

CEBU, Philippines — The Visayan Electric (VECO) reported a total load drop of 1.91 megawatt (MW) during the observance of the Earth Hour 2025 on Saturday, March 22.

Quennie S. Bronce, Veco's head of Reputation Enhancement Department, said that the load drop is from accross their customers --- residential, commercial and industrial.

Here are the following recorded load drops provided by Bronce for the past 11 years -- 2014 (3.025MW), 2015 (4.631MW), 2016 (2.839MW), 2017 (3.102MW), 2018 (2.695MW), 2019 (3.6MW), 2020 (0.97MW), 2021 (0.74MW), 2022 (0.692MW), 2023 (0.573MW), and 2024 (1.23MW).

With a theme, “Switch Off and Secure Water for All,” this year's Earth Hour was observed from started from 8:30pm to 9:30pm.

According to the Department of Energy (DOE), this year’s Earth Hour highlighted the vital connection between energy conservation and water security, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices to protect these essential resources for future generations.

In solidarity with the global observance of Earth Hour 2025, the DOE reminded the public to adopt responsible energy and water conservation practices.

This as DOE Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla underscored the interdependence of energy and water, saying that every kilowatt-hour of electricity consumed requires water --- whether for cooling processes in thermal power plants, hydropower systems, or the energy needed to pump, treat, and distribute water.

“Using energy judiciously is not just about reducing consumption --- it is about preserving life itself. Every watt saved is a drop of water protected, reinforcing the delicate balance of our environment. By embracing energy efficiency and conservation, we do more than cutting emissions, we secure the future of our most vital resources for generations to come," Lotilla said.

Lotilla said that Earth Hour is more than a symbolic event, it is a global movement for change.

“Through small but consistent actions, individuals, businesses, and communities can make a lasting impact on energy and water conservation, strengthening climate resilience and promoting a more sustainable way of life,” he said.

The DOE has been consistently encouraging the public to adopt practical and effective demand-side management strategies without compromising productivity.

These include switching-off non-essential lights and appliances when not in use, using energy-efficient technologies, such as LED bulbs and inverter appliances and rescheduling high-energy-consuming activities during peak hours, which are typically from 11 am to 3 pm on weekdays and 6 pm to 9 pm on weekends.

By switching-off non-essential lights, Lotilla said that by committing to energy and water conservation, and engaging in meaningful actions, such as reducing water waste, planting trees, or supporting sustainable policies, everyone can contribute to a more sustainable future.

The DOE added that the government remained committed to building a more sustainable and resilient energy system, recognizing its critical role in ensuring the country’s energy security and advancing climate action.

Through progressive policies, strategic programs, and innovative measures, the DOE said it will continue to drive energy efficiency, conservation, and the integration of renewable energy into the country’s power landscape.

These efforts, it added, not only support the transition to a low-carbon economy but also foster greater public awareness of the urgent need to address environmental challenges.

As an active partner of WWF Philippines in the annual observance of Earth Hour, the DOE reaffirmed the shared responsibility of individuals, communities, and institutions in mitigating climate change and promoting environmental sustainability. (CEBU NEWS)