DOE urges players to adopt energy efficiency measures

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Energy (DOE) is urging industry players to employ energy efficiency measures to lower demand, raise energy security, and generate savings for the country.

In a speech read by DOE assistant secretary Robert Uy, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi cited governance and resiliency as important components of the government’s energy policy.

“We believe that efficiency will result in a lower energy demand and increased energy security for the country. This translates to improved productivity and energy savings for consumers,” he said.

The DOE is promoting the adoption of energy efficiency in the operations of offices and industries.

“We urge offices and industries to seek the assistance of the DOE-accredited energy service companies to identify the suitable endeavors that can enhance the overall energy use in the country without sacrificing the delivery of quality services and products,” the Energy chief said.

The agency is also working on implementing the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP)— a program to reduce monthly consumption of electricity and petroleum products by the government—to lead in energy efficiency measures.

“We believe the government should serve as the role model in the implementation of energy efficiency best practices and the application of new technologies and techniques,” Cusi said.

The agency is also pushing for the passage of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Bill during the 17th Congress.

“When this bill is enacted into law, it will be a game changer, and we can consider our battles in making our society more energy efficient as already half-won,” Cusi said.

Last February, the Senate approved its version of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Bill under Senate Bill 1531.

SB 1531 lays down a solid foundation for a comprehensive energy efficiency and conservation policy that will mandate the efficient and judicious use of energy resources and promote the development and utilization of both new and alternative sources of energy efficient technologies and systems.

The measure mandates the creation of a national energy efficiency and conservation plan that defines national targets, details feasible strategies, and imposes a regular monitoring and evaluation system.

It will also create a national energy efficiency and conservation database which will store all relevant information about energy consumption and the application of energy efficient and renewable energy technologies.

Apart from this, the measure will institutionalize these energy efficiency and conservation standards and strategies in local governance through the creation of a local energy efficiency and conservation plan and the inclusion of guidelines on energy conserving design on buildings in the issuance of building permits.