158 malls save over P200 million on power costs

Energy efficiency

MANILA, Philippines — Some 158 malls across the country generated over P200 million in electricity savings after adjusting their operations amid the global oil crisis, according to the Department of Energy.

The DOE said shopping centers, including Araneta, SM, Rockwell, Robinsons and Megaworld Lifestyle malls, saved around 23 megawatts through energy efficiency measures aimed at easing pressure on the power system.

At the same time, participating malls have capitalized on renewable energy by scaling up rooftop solar and joining the green energy option program (GEOP).

Through GEOP, electricity end-users with a monthly average consumption of at least 50 kiloWatts (kW) are eligible to choose their preferred renewable power supplier.

On the government side, the DOE said public offices reduced fuel and electricity consumption by 14 percent, translating to energy savings of around 700 kW.

“These savings reflect more efficient operations through measures such as optimized energy use in offices and facilities and practicing fuel efficiency while maintaining public service delivery,” it noted.

The government has been pushing for energy efficiency and fuel-saving measures as the country grapples with an energy emergency sparked by the Middle East crisis.

The Philippines was among the countries that recorded the biggest jump in fuel costs since the war erupted in late February, based on the latest Global Petrol Prices data.

The DOE earlier warned that record-high fuel costs could push power prices higher, with market simulations pointing to a spike of over P5 per kW-hour.