New energy scheme seen to save $60B

The Department of Energy (DoE) expects to rake in a hefty $60 billion in energy savings over the next two decades, as it moves to implement more stringently its energy efficiency and conservation programs.

Energy Undersecretary Loreta G. Ayson explained that this can be realized through the implementation of measures that will reduce consumption by 3.5 million tons of oil equivalent annually which, in turn, can defer the need for an addition capacity of 339 megawatts every year between now and 2030. Such measures will also help reduce emissions by an estimated 8.95 million tons of carbon dioxide during that period.

The $60-billion figure, Ayson cautioned, may, however, change due to volatility in the prices of electricity and fuel.

Ayson further disclosed that the DoE is moving to further strengthen its National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program (NEECP), which it has put forward to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation’s (APEC) Peer Review on Energy Efficiency (PREE) for further scrutiny.

“We should be humble enough to accept ideas from a broad spectrum of individuals in realizing our developmental goals as this will allow us to craft better policies and programs which will help the country in the long run,” noted Energy Secretary Jose Rene D. Almendras.

The program called PREE was targeted toward achieving an APEC-wide regional aspirational goal of energy intensity reduction of at least 25 percent by 2030; encouraging all APEC economies to set individual goals and action plans for improving energy efficiency; and reviewing progress through the voluntary APEC Energy Peer Review mechanism.

According to Ayson, they expect to receive feedback from the prestigious panel reviewing the country’s programs by Friday this week.

Through the DoE’s NEECP, the government also hopes to make energy efficiency and conservation a way of life for Filipinos.

Ayson noted that while the programs outlined by the government may be short term in its implementation, the actual lifestyle change is long term.

“It really is an uphill battle to change old habits. This is where the critical IEC [Information, Education, and Communication Information] component of our program comes in. We have to become diligent in spreading the benefits and advantages of becoming more energy efficient,” she emphasized.