Collective action to power through the dry season

Filipinos are no strangers to the dry and humid season – living in a country located just above the equator, we have long endured elevated temperatures. But in recent years, heat indexes have soared to dangerously high levels, posing a serious threat to the health, safety and well-being of our communities.

Just this week, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) recorded a peak heat index of 50ºC in Los Baños, Laguna. Local government suspended in-person classes yesterday, April 16, advising schools to shift to modular or online classes.

Dehydration, heat stroke, fatigue, and skin diseases are all more common this time of year, particularly among vulnerable sectors, such as children, the elderly, and outdoor workers.

Ensuring we stay cool during this time is no longer a matter of comfort, it has become a health concern. As Filipinos turn to longer and more frequent use of cooling appliances such as air conditioners and electric fans to cope with the extreme heat, we see energy demand rising sharply. This surge is placing added pressure on the country’s already strained power supply, igniting conversations on energy security.

Based on the latest Meralco data, energy demand typically increases by 20 percent to 33 percent for households during this time of year, compared to the cooler months of January and February.

Some may frame the situation as a trade-off between personal well-being and energy security, but the truth is, we do not have to choose one over the other. There are practical and accessible ways to stay cool while remaining energy-conscious- and it all begins with energy efficiency. Simple changes in daily habits and appliance use can go a long way in managing both comfort and consumption.

Embracing energy efficiency doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice our health or live in discomfort. Rather, it should be viewed as a way of life to balance personal well-being so we can also care intentionally for our communities and the energy resources we share.

Many may assume that energy security is a responsibility reserved for the bigger players in the power industry such as power generation companies, distribution utilities or electric cooperatives and government including policymakers and local units. But the truth is, every Filipino has a role to play. Even ordinary consumers can contribute to a more secure and stable energy future, starting with energy efficiency.

At its core, energy efficiency is a form of bayanihan. It is about sharing the responsibility of safeguarding our energy future.

Households can play an active role in managing demand by practicing energy efficiency while enjoying economic benefits through greater control over their electricity bills.

Among the energy efficiency practices that households can observe are unplugging devices when not in use, refraining from overfilling refrigerators, using natural lighting whenever possible, ironing clothes in bulk, regular cleaning of air conditioner filters and electric fan blades, and optimized temperature settings for air conditioners. Studies from Meralco’s in-house appliance testing facility PowerLab showed that setting your air conditioner to 25°C strikes the right balance between energy efficiency and comfort as it consumes less energy than cooler settings without sacrificing relief from the heat.

Businesses, too, can contribute to energy security by adopting energy-efficient technologies and participating in demand-side management programs, such as the Interruptible Load Program (ILP) to help avoid potential power interruptions at the household level. The ILP is a voluntary demand-side management program that aims to spare households from power interruptions during instances of Red Alert or when the electricity supply is insufficient to meet demand.

In the Meralco franchise area, for example, more than 100 companies are enrolled in the ILP-contributing a de-loading capacity of over 500 megawatts, enough to make a significant impact during supply shortfalls.

On the part of distribution utilities, ensuring energy security means securing sufficient supply and maintaining a reliable power infrastructure.  Meralco for example has been ramping up its maintenance activities and continuing to invest to upgrade facilities. Likewise, it has also secured additional power supply for the dry season as well to meet rising demand and support uninterrupted service.

It is important to know though that energy security doesn’t stop at power plants, electricity utilities or corporate offices. It also involves us and what we do on the daily at home, at work, and in our communities. By making energy efficiency a daily habit, we help build a culture of responsible energy use that supports both our personal well-being and the nation’s long-term sustainability.

Now more than ever, we need to be more conscious of our energy choices. Let’s choose energy efficiency—not just for comfort or cost savings, but as our contribution to a brighter, more resilient future for all.