DOE promotes energy plan for Visayas

By Leny G. Gabo

The Department of Energy ( DoE ) is currently focusing on energy development for the Visayas .

DoE Undersecretary Guillermo R. Balce said their office targets 14 regions for the energy plan. Six regions have already adopted the said plan while the energy plan for the remaining eight regions is still in the works. Unfortunately, Region VI or Western Visayas is among those regions that have not yet adopted an energy plan.

Balce said that Region VI has several potential energy sources that need to be used wisely. He noted that Western Visayas is a coal capital in the entire Visayas region.

Balce added that the future power crisis scenario in the region is true.

Antonio Nabong of DoE Conservation Division said that one way to address the power problem is energy efficiency and conservation.

In line with this, the DoE has implemented the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program.

The program has five-point plan in energy conservation. These include nationwide implementation of conservation program. Expand the scope of energy labeling to other appliances, vehicle, electrical devises and equipment.

He added that another energy conservation is to shift to energy efficient lighting in residential, commercial and industrial establishments.

The program aims to achieve an average annual energy savings of 12 percent.

Nabong cited that energy conservation is very crucial these days because it cushions the impact of rising energy prices.

He said there is really need to reduce expenditures on fuel and electricity without sacrificing productivity and to contribute to the protection of the environment.