Visayas saves 62 MW during Earth Hour
The three Visayan regions were able to save some 62 megawatts by joining the one-hour switching off of lights during Saturday evening’s Earth Hour event.
The 62 megawatts (MW) showed an almost 100 percent increase in power savings when compared with the Earth Hour last year, according to Energy Supervisor for Visayas, Engr. Rey Maleza.
Engr. Maleza said the highest saving was recorded in Leyte with 26 MW followed by Cebu with 19 MW.
Panay, Guimaras and Negros islands combined incurred a 16-MW savings while Bohol saved one-megawatt.
The eight MW savings in Panay and Guimaras showed a 100 percent increase in savings when compared with only four MW last year, he said.
Maleza added that they are still finalizing the data because information from various participating groups are still coming in.
Likewise, they are still waiting for a data from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) had participated in the worldwide event.
Meantime, Maleza stressed that the one-hour switching off of lights was only a symbolic gesture and what is important is that the advocacy on proper use of energy and the promotion of renewable energy will continue.
He stressed that the power being produced is actually more than enough to meet the demand but there are a lot of wastage.
He cited among others the use of bulbs or fluorescent lights that are not energy-efficient and leaving behind unplugged appliances even if they are no longer in use.
“What is needed is a little sacrifice and commitment,” he said.
Saturday’s ceremonial switch off here in Iloilo that was held at the SM City was led by Iloilo Gov. Niel Tupas, Sr., Mayor Jerry Treñas, University of the Philippines Visayas professor Joy Lizada representing the Responsible Ilonggos for Sustainable Energy (RISE) and Maleza.
Maleza added that he looked forward to get more participation from the private sector next year to achieve higher savings. (PNA)
