PH partners with EU to provide electricity to remote rural areas
The Philippine government, with the support of the European Union (EU), is beefing up efforts in providing sustainable energy to rural communities nationwide through the bloc's Access to Sustainable Energy Programme (ASEP).
Energy Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella said during the 3rd ASEP Steering Committee meeting that Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso Cusi just ordered for ASEP work plans to be synchronized with the Philippine Energy Plan (PEP) and other local sector roadmap.
This, as the Philippine government works on energy efficiency and capacity building to give more rural communities access to electricity.
Based on the latest progress report submitted to the DOE, the ASEP work programs has already met different subcomponents of PEP, including energy efficiency, capacity development and rural electrification programs. The review was conducted from April to September 2017.
As to rural electrification, completed and undergoing final review by the DOE were the policies for Missionary Electrification Subsidy Rationalization, Streamlining and Harmonizing Power Contracting Process for Off-Grid and its Implementing Rules and Regulations together with the Enhancing Policy and Regulations to Attract Off-Grid Investments.
For energy efficiency, completed was the Product Particular Requirements (PPRs) for TVs, washing machines and electric fans.
The DOE is now preparing recommendations for appliance standards and labeling, including the development of PPRs for LED lamps.
“The DOE-ASEP cooperation initiated a market survey for LED lamps and the design of energy labels for LED, aircon and refrigerators,” Fuentabella said.
“We are also working with EU-ASEP in drafting a national strategy for energy efficiency in the power sector, strengthening the Government Energy Management Program through building energy performance standards and benchmarking, including reviewing the Energy Efficiency Bill for finalization,” he added.
Fuentebella said that there will be workshops for the implementation of the capacity development subcomponent of ASEP here in the country from 2017 until mid-2018 with high-level study abroad, among others.
All of these efforts, according to Fuentebella, will contribute to fulfilling the three key results areas for the program – including the strengthening the capacity of energy sector stakeholders to pursue a pro-poor sustainable energy policy and institutional reforms; facilitating investments aimed at increasing access to renewable energy in rural, remote and high-poverty areas, especially in Mindanao; and promoting pro-poor and disaster-resilient innovative energy solutions for job creation and wider access, such as solar or hydropower pumps, solar lanterns and solar dyers.