DoE retrofits 7 gov’t agencies, expects cut in power costs

The Department of Energy (DoE) has completed the retrofitting of buildings owned by seven government agencies, as part of its program to reduce electricity expenses.

In a statement issued over the weekend, the DoE identified the agencies as the National Food Authority (NFA), Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), National Dairy Authority (NDA), Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the National Housing Authority (NHA).

Retrofitting refers to the identification and implementation of energy-efficiency measures that will significantly reduce energy consumption. These include the installation of more efficient lighting and air-conditioning systems in government buildings.

Twenty eight more government buildings are expected to be “retrofitted” in the coming months, under the Philippine Energy Efficiency Project, funded largely by the Manila-based Asian Development Bank.

The PEEP targets to retrofit a total of 35 buildings owned by government agencies to make them examples of how energy efficiency will not only reduce costly fuel imports but will also help cut operational costs.

The P124-million retrofitting project is expected to generate yearly savings of P22.4 million for the government, according to Energy Secretary Jose Rene D. Almendras.