DOE pushes Energy Efficiency bill anew

Energy Undersecretary Loreta G. Ayson said the administration is pushing for passage of the Energy Efficiency bill as a major reform.

“We see energy efficiency as the easiest and cheapest way to conserve energy as well as protect the environment, which has become a global concern not only from the government side but from the industries as well,” Ayson told a press conference in Cebu City on Tuesday.

She attended a Philippine Energy Efficiency Forum held by the European Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

Ayson said the bill, which is based on similar versions sponsored by Sen. Teofeisto Guingona and Sen. Edgardo Angara, is being reviewed by the private sector and Congress.

The bill aims to provide clear incentives for those who implement energy-efficiency programs in their workplaces as well as penalties. It also defines the role of energy service companies and sets up a Standards and Labeling program of DOE.

“Incentives could include duty and tax free privileges for import and export companies, giving recognition to these companies as well as tax holidays,” Ayson said.

For the Standards and Labeling program, Ayson said DOE’s energy research and testing division, has tested commonly used appliances at home.

A high Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) in appliance labels can guide consumers in buying the right models.

While appliances with a high EER are more expensive, consumers would still end up saving more in their electric bills, said DOE Regional Director Antonio Labios.

Proper standards and labeling would also ensure the country is no longer a dumping site for low-efficiency appliances from other countries.

“This will discourage importers from bringing in non energy-efficient appliances because people will now know more and will not buy these products,” Ayson said.

Public awareness remains a challenge. Under the project “Do Right, Be Bright” tips will be distributed to households, public transportation systems and industries on how to be energy efficient at their levels, Ayson said.

The DOE continues to invite investors to set up power plants while looking for sources of alternative energy, she said.

Luzon has enough capacity until 2014, Visayas has enough until 2017 but needs to start new power plants by 2015 while Mindanao supply remains a problem.

“We are looking for many ways to address this and we see that imposing energy-efficiency is one key to effectively manage what we have now while we continue to grow economically.”/reporter aileen garcia-yap