Energy program can ring up P2B in savings

MANILA, Philippines  —A new order from Malacañang directing government agencies to accelerate their implementation of energy efficiency measures could result in up to P2 billion in energy savings for the government, the Department of Energy (DOE) said on Thursday.

According to the DOE, its projection on savings was based on 2023 figures. The projected amount of savings is based on the condition that 8,000 identified entities—government buildings and others —are fully implementing the measures.

Last year, the government logged P300 million in energy savings—equivalent to more than 30 million kilowatt-hours— with the implementation of the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP), the agency said.

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President Marcos last week signed Administrative Order No. 15, which directs government agencies and encourages local government units to speed up their implementation of GEMP.

Energy conservation

GEMP is a program that seeks to reduce the government’s monthly electricity and fuel consumption by at least 10 percent “through the efficient use and conservation of energy and fuel, among others.”

Under Marcos’ latest order, government agencies are mandated to adopt low-cost energy efficiency and conservation measures, including maintaining a temperature of 24 degrees Celsius in air-conditioned spaces.

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They are likewise mandated to conduct energy audits and submit an inventory of their existing energy-consuming equipment, along with upgrade timelines.

With the impending El Niño climate pattern, AO 15 is also expected to help in augmenting supply during the dry summer season.

“AO 15 will intensify our efficient utilization and conservation efforts in the use of electricity and fuel to help mitigate energy demand, especially with the onset of El Niño,” Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said in a statement.