Energy conservation big help to gov’t
Department of Energy (DOE) Energy Utilization Manager Evelyn N. Reyes said the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP) is a great help to the efforts of government to save on electricity and fuel expenses.
Reyes arrived here with government Energy Audit Team Chair Waldo Q. Flores and other DOE officials to conduct a seminar on power conservation and efficiency and energy audit for government agencies and offices last week.
The government has already saved about P2 billion and P300 million in electricity and fuel expenses, respectively, following the implementation of the program in 2005.
She added that the program also helps cushion the impact of lack of power supply in the country.
“Malaki talaga ang nagagawa nitong programa para sa gobyerno,” said Reyes.
Nevertheless, Reyes pointed out that while there is generally satisfactory compliance among government agencies and government-owned and controlled corporations, the savings could be further enhanced through vigilance and continuing commitment of everyone in government service.
She rallied government employees to become advocates of energy conservation and pass on the knowledge and practice of energy conservation to others.
The seminar was organized by the Energy Utilization Management Bureau of the DOE in cooperation with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) to present updates the energy conservation program and efforts of government to harness alternative fuels in line with the country’s energy plan.
On the other hand, the energy audit or spot check aimed to ascertain the energy efficiency and conservation practices of government institutions in line with GEMP implementing guidelines.
Reyes said they have conducted the energy audit in more than 600 government offices since then and they intend to cover more this year to ensure that the goals of the program are attained.
The energy management program was established by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo by virtue of Administrative Order 110 which she issued in 2004.
The program aims to reduce the monthly consumption of electricity and petroleum products in government by at least 10 percent through electricity and fuel use efficiency and conservation in line with the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program. (PIA 6)
