By Rey Anthony Chiu/PIA-Bohol | 05:46 PM September 04, 2021
With the over-all goal of reducing the government’s monthly electricity and fuel consumption by 10%, the government’s Department of Energy (DOE)— puts up the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP) for Local Government Units (GEMP).
According to Lourdes Arciaga, information officer of the Department of Energy upon which the energy efficiency and conservation program is made as among its tasks, the over-all goal is to reduce to the barest minimum energy consumption through adoption of technologies, energy efficiency measures and good planning to cut on energy and fuel consumption and save.
In a webinar on the same topic, Arciaga said the move is based on Article 11285 or the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act and its implementing rules.
The law says local government units except barangays have been mandated to designate energy efficiency and conservation officers (EEC Officers) and focal persons as was asserted by the Department of Interior and Local Government Memorandum Circular 2020-082.
The same Memo mandates the establishment of Energy Efficiency Conservation Office, the designation of EEC officer and focal person and the development and implementation of local energy efficiency and conservation plan (LEECP) to be incorporated in the local development plan.
According to the DOE, since the effectivity of the implementing rules and regulation of the EEC Act, there are already 13 Bohol LGUs which have submitted their energy conservation officers and focal persons.
These include Tagbilaran City, Alburquerque, Baclayon, Balilihan, Batuan, Buenavista, Calape, Corella, Dauis, Loboc, Loon, Sevilla and Trinidad.
The same memo directs LGUS to submit monthly electricity consumption report (MERC) and monthly fuel consumption report (MFCR) as well as an annual inventory report of air conditioning units, lighting equipment and motor vehicles.
The EECO, who may also be the Planning and Development Officer assures compliance of the energy efficiency and conservation, submits to the DOE monthly electricity and Fuel consumption reports and lead in the preparation, implementation and monitoring of the local EECP.
On the other hand, EEC Focal persons aids the EECO in implementing the GEMP.
The LEECP, Arciaga explained , is a collaborative, multi stakeholder comprehensive framework, governance structure and programs aligned with the Energy Conservation Law and the national EEC plans, but is prepared in the LGU level with defined targets, feasible strategies and regular monitoring and evaluation.
The plan and its implementation becomes a DOE target for energy audit and inspection as they monitor compliance and give post energy ratings. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)
