Government agencies in the Philippines are now required to use energy-efficient products and prioritize solar rooftop installations to cut energy consumption and promote sustainability, the Department of Energy (DOE) said Thursday.
The Inter-Agency Energy Efficiency and Conservation Committee (IAEECC) approved the measure in a resolution on Sept. 16, the DOE said in a statement.
“Every peso the government saves on electricity is a peso we can redirect to vital services for our people,” Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said in the statement.
“By requiring energy-efficient products and prioritizing solar rooftops, we are not only reducing costs but also setting an example for every household, business and community,” she said.
The resolution directs government offices to comply with Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) under the Philippine Energy Labeling Program (PELP).
The measure is expected to reduce public sector electricity use and accelerate the shift to cleaner technologies as part of the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP).
The IAEECC is also reviewing a joint memorandum circular that would establish dedicated energy efficiency and conservation (EEC) offices in local government units.
The measure aims to empower local government units to design tailored energy-saving programs and give communities more control over their consumption, the DOE said.
