PBBM’s call for energy efficiency to save gov’t P2-B: DOE

MANILA – The Department of Energy (DOE) on Thursday said Administrative Order (AO) 15 signed this month by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. which aims to accelerate energy efficiency and conservation efforts in all public offices will save the government PHP2 billion.

“The accelerated implementation of GEMP (Government Energy Management Program) under AO 15 is estimated to result in up to nearly PHP2 billion in savings for both electricity and fuel, based on the average savings from 2023,” the DOE said in a statement.

In 2023, the GEMP helped the government saved over 30 million kilowatt-hour of electricity and 386,083.59 liters of fuel, which is equal to PHP300 million and PHP25 million of electricity and fuel savings.

“The President wants the entire government to embrace energy conservation measures. 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,” DOE Secretary Raphael Lotilla said.

Lotilla said the government should be an example for Filipinos in practicing energy efficiency and conservation as a sustainable lifestyle, and not only during the El Niño phenomenon.

Under the GEMP, all government offices should cut electricity and fuel consumption by 10 percent through energy efficiency and conservation strategies, such as maintaining ambient temperature in airconditioned spaces at 24 degrees Celsius, turning off unused lights and air conditioning units, and activating sleep settings on office equipment, among others.

Meanwhile, the implementing guidelines of the AO 15 will be released in less than a month. (PNA)