The Philippine Energy Efficiency Alliance (PE2) is optimistic about the future of energy efficiency and conservation (EEC) projects in the country following the Department of Energy’s (DOE) launch of the first province-wide workshop on the formulation of Local Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plans (LEECP) in Iloilo. This initiative aims to bolster local government units’ (LGUs) capacity to develop and implement energy efficiency strategies tailored to their communities.
PE2 president Alexander Ablaza praised the DOE’s move, highlighting its role in reducing learning curves for LGUs in creating effective energy plans. The workshop, which targeted 80 EEC officers, focal persons, and technical personnel from 43 LGUs, provided valuable training on creating and executing LEECPs, essential for the wider adoption of energy efficiency measures across the country.
Ablaza expressed hope that LGUs would expand their focus beyond common projects like rooftop solar panels and solar-powered streetlights to include energy efficiency measures in building operations, such as air-conditioning and lighting retrofits. Additionally, he encouraged LGUs to take advantage of the flexibility provided by the recently enacted New Government Procurement Act to adopt more energy-efficient technologies through performance contracts with energy service companies.
The DOE initiative also supports the implementation of the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP), which mandates a 10 percent reduction in electricity and fuel use by all government entities. The program aligns with national energy security and sustainability goals and underscores the government’s commitment to optimizing energy consumption and promoting sustainability in the public sector.
PE2’s advocacy for greater energy efficiency in the public and private sectors is poised to play a key role in the country’s energy transition and sustainability efforts.
