ENERGY conservation efforts by private establishments, particularly malls, have generated nearly P1 billion in electricity savings, in keeping with the Department of Energy (DoE), as the federal government continues to push efficiency measures amid ongoing grid tightness.
“We’re now near almost P1 billion in total since we’ve encouraged them,” Patrick T. Aquino, director of the DoE Energy Utilization Management Bureau, told BusinessWorld on Monday.
In its advisory in March, the DoE urged business, industrial, and transport sector players to adopt energy efficiency and demand-side management measures amid concerns over supply conditions.
These include setting air-conditioning units at no lower than 24°C in common areas, maximizing natural lighting, and installing on-site renewable energy systems resembling solar photovoltaic facilities in buildings and establishments.
To bolster its campaign, the DoE launched the “Oras Natin sa Efficiency” (O.N.E.) initiative, which inspires households, businesses, and communities to change off non-essential lights and unplug unused appliances every Saturday from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.
“Every month, big malls are already contributing their savings. So, it also helps the underside line further,” Mr. Aquino said.
At present, 212 malls nationwide have collectively saved over 65,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity, comparable to about P785 million in savings, based on an estimated rate of P12 per kilowatt-hour.
Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said the campaign reflects a broader shared responsibility to embed energy conservation as a long-term practice moderately than a short-term response.
“Sustained weekly participation at an identical level could translate into significant annual energy savings, while helping ease pressure on the grid in periods of high demand,” Ms. Garin said.
The Philippines has experienced recurring yellow and red alerts in recent weeks as a consequence of thin power reserves and elevated demand.
Specifically, yellow alerts within the Visayas have endured for 3 weeks, driven by constrained supply conditions and rising consumption.
As of May 27, available grid capability stood at 2,682 megawatts (MW) against peak demand of two,415 MW, in keeping with system data. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera