NEDA: Gov’t eyes power saving modes to lessen Israel-Hamas war’s impact

Meralco electric cables (File photo from RICHARD A. REYES)

MANILA, Philippines — Government is mulling energy conservation measures amid the Israel-Hamas war, according to National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon.

Israel’s siege on Gaza after a Hamas-led attack has sparked fears of a worsened economic outlook in the world.

Following the ease of inflation in Philippines, Edillon said the executive branch is discussing different scenarios of adjustments.

“Kailangan natin ng mga energy conservation measures, beginning with those in government,” said Edillon in a Palace briefing on Tuesday.

(We need energy conservation measures, beginning with those in government.)

“At kung ano pang mga—kasi ang maaapektuhan kaagad would be the fuel prices and then, the energy prices,” she added.

(And what else—because what will be affected right away would be the fuel prices and then, the energy prices.)

Edillon said there are many energy power plants and transmission projects that are set to be completed this year, which can minimize the negative effects of the war.

“Ang naging instruction was to make sure na they will be on schedule. So if that’s the case, then, mami-maintain natin na limited iyong magiging impact sa atin,” said Edillon.

(The instruction to us is to make sure that they will be on schedule. So if that’s the case, then, we will maintain its limited impact on us.)

Edillon stressed government’s first priority is still the safety of Filipinos who are in the war zone.