LGUs told: Cut fuel, power use by 20%

MANILA, Philippines — As the country grapples with high prices of petroleum products, local government units (LGUs) have been ordered to cut power and fuel usage by up to 20 percent.

In a memorandum circular, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) directed LGUs to enforce stricter energy conservation measures, to help manage rising global energy pressures brought by the war in the Middle East.

The DILG directed local officials to limit travel to essential functions and strengthen fleet-efficiency measures.

By reducing fuel and electricity usage, LGUs could promote energy efficiency during the crisis, the DILG said.

“Even small adjustments in daily operations can make a significant difference in achieving our goal of cutting energy use by as much as 20 percent,” the agency said in a statement released yesterday.

Local governments have adopted a four-day onsite work arrangement, either through a compressed workweek or by designating a common work-from-home day, to reduce power consumption in public offices.

Except when physical presence is required or operationally necessary, LGUs directed employees to conduct meetings, seminars and workshops online or through digital platforms.

Government offices were mandated to adopt energy-efficient practices such as setting air-conditioning thermostats at 24 degrees Celsius, and ensuring that lights and equipment are turned off when not in use.

The measures, the DILG said, must not disrupt the delivery of essential government services to the people, particularly those related to health, public safety and emergency response.