DOE releases guidelines for renewable energy

CEBU, Philippines — Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi has recently signed a Department Circular (DC) providing guidelines on how consumers may avail of renewable energy (RE) as the source of their electricity needs.

In a statement, the Department of Energy (DOE) said that the program will give end-users the option to source their energy requirements from RE resources.

Cusi signed the DC entitled “Promulgating the Rules and Guidelines Governing the Establishment of the Green Energy Option Program Pursuant to the Renewable Energy Act of 2008” last July 18, 2018.

The circular was issued pursuant to Section 9, Chapter III of the Renewable Energy Law, which mandates the DOE to establish a Green Energy Option Program (GEOP).

The GEOP rules establish the general guidelines and procedures governing transactions between consumers, RE suppliers and network service providers on the matter of choosing and using RE resources at the least cost and in a sustainable manner.

The DOE said that all end-users with a monthly average peak demand of 100kW and above for the past 12 months may opt to participate in the GEOP.

Those with an average peak demand below 100kW may also participate in the GEOP, but only after the DOE, in consultation with the National Renewable Energy Board and industry stakeholders, is able to determine that the technical requirements and standards are met by the end-user.

With the promulgation of the GEOP Rules, the DOE hopes to attract more consumers to source their power from RE.

The DOE likewise believes that the GEOP will not only promote sustainability, but will also empower more Filipinos by giving them a wider variety of options for their energy requirements.

The energy department further said that the program is also in consonance with the DOE strategy to aggressively promote the development, utilization and commercialization of indigenous and clean sources of energy, while ensuring the sustainable and secure supply of power for the country. — GAN (FREEMAN)