PNP goes dark to save on power

MANILA, Philippines—Electricity is so expensive in the Philippines not even the national police force can afford it.

To save on electricity, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is considering the idea of enforcing blackouts at Camp Crame at certain hours in the afternoon every Tuesday and Thursday.

On these days, lights may be out at the PNP headquarters even before the sun sets.

Chief Supt. James Andres Melad, head of the PNP Headquarters Support Service, said the plan to impose “forced blackouts” would lower electrical bills and oblige PNP personnel to attend athletic activities in the afternoon.

But he clarified that the recommendation was still up for approval.

At present, the policy is to cut off power from noon to 1 p.m. at the camp.

In an interview, Melad said electric bills in the compound, which housed several police offices as well as condominiums and concessionaires, reached about P5 million every month, although occupants of housing units had their own sub-meters.

In the summer, the PNP had to pay about P1 million more than in previous months, he noted.

Under Melad’s proposal, penalties for violations range from demerits to suspension or forfeiture of pay, among other possible restrictions.