Efficient energy use may save PHL P59B a year – DOE

Through a more efficient energy stance, the Philippines could save as much as P59 billion a year with a 10-percent reduction in energy consumption, an official of the Energy Department said on Tuesday. Speaking at the 2nd Philippine Energy Efficiency Forum, Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras said wiser use of electricity could mean lesser need for new capacities in the coming years. "Imagine the possibilities of the little things you can do such as switching to more efficient bulbs or switching off electronics and appliances when not in use," Almendras said. With such savings, Almendras said Luzon could tap a potential available power of 2,000 megawatts (MW), eliminating the need for new capacity until 2015. In the Visayas region, this could mean an additional 500 MW of capacity, while 400 MW will be available for Mindanao, effectively solving power requirements until 2018 and 2013, respectively. Between 2009 and 2014, Luzon requires an additional energy capacity of 1,050 MW, while Mindanao needs 500 MW of new capacity so as not to slip into a crisis. Almendras said that the simple manner of switching to LED lights from incandescent bulbs is already a big step toward realizing energy savings. "We have also been aggressively appealing to all Filipinos to take the shift, a change to a more sustainable lifestyle through practical and energy efficient ways of living," he added. The Energy chief said the passage of an energy efficiency law could help drive more savings for the Philippines. He added that the government has set a modest target of achieving energy savings of about 23 million barrels of fuel oil. "The best way to do and set standards is [to] try putting legislation [in place]. You want to reward people who will endeavor to become energy efficient," Almendras said. "In the same breath, you also want to punish those that are not energy efficient," he added. —JMT/VS, GMA News