The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
Government agencies nationwide are now mandated to use energy-efficient products and prioritize the installation of solar rooftop systems to cut electricity consumption and accelerate the shift to clean energy.
The Department of Energy (DOE), which chairs the Inter-Agency Energy Efficiency and Conservation Committee (IAEECC), said the directive was approved during the committee’s Sept. 16 meeting as part of the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP).
The resolution requires all government offices to comply with the Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) under the Philippine Energy Labeling Program (PELP), which sets efficiency benchmarks for appliances, equipment, and other energy-consuming products.
“Every peso the government saves on electricity is a peso we can redirect to vital services for our people. By requiring energy-efficient products and prioritizing solar rooftops, we are not only reducing costs but also setting an example for every household, business, and community,” Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said.
The DOE added that the IAEECC is reassessing a Joint Memorandum Circular to establish dedicated Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EEC) Offices in local government units to empower LGUs to design tailored energy-saving programs and give communities more control over their energy use.