DOE warns on use of energy-saving devices

DUMAGUETE CITY – The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Visayas Field Office is warning the public on using energy saving devices that promise to lower electric consumption at home.

Miguel Trenuela, Research Specialist of Energy Resources Development and Utilization Division, said there is no energy-saving device that has passed DOE’s laboratory tests.

“We do not recommend though because those energy saving devices when plugged also use energy hence, the tendency for electric use to increase,” Trenuela said.

Trenuela answered queries during a Kapihan sa PIA forum about individuals going to houses selling supposedly devices that reduce power consumption.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Negros Oriental Consumer Protection Division Officer Hernel Sun told consumers to refrain from buying products from people who are on solicitation sales.

Sun discovered that upon inspection and validation, it was found that the declared office addresses of the sellers were non-existent.

Trenuela said buyers of refrigerators or air-conditioning units must look for the “Energy Label Guide,” the yellow sticker attached in the units certifying that the appliances have been laboratory-tested and proven to conserve energy.

“If it does not have an energy label, don’t buy it,” Trenuela said.

Trenuela noted that appliances with inverter type technologies have been proven to be more energy efficient.

He reminded consumers that practical actions like putting the temperature of the aircon into a comfortable level, opening only the refrigerators when necessary, keeping lights off when not in used are good tips for energy conservation.

One expert said there are two approaches to energy conservation. One focuses on the supply side, the other on the demand side which refers to the consumers.