The Department of Energy (DOE) applauds the signing of Administrative Order (AO) No. 15, which gives the green light for the implementation of the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP).

“AO 15 will intensify our efficient utilization and conservation efforts in the use of electricity and fuel to help mitigate energy demand, especially with the onset of El Niño,” said Energy Secretary Raphael P. M. Lotilla.

The Inter-Agency Energy Efficiency and Conservation Committee (IAEECC), established under the EEC Act, would oversee the fulfillment of GEMP.

The energy department stressed that the act aims for the government to set an example in shifting to a more sustainable energy option, saying, “It aims to reduce the whole government’s electricity and fuel consumption by at least 10% through energy efficiency and conservation (EEC) strategies.”

The goal of AO 15 is to implement Republic Act No. 11285 or the Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EEC) Act across all government entities under the executive branch. This includes government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), government financial institutions (GFIs), their subsidiaries, as well as state universities and colleges (SUCs).

Along with providing guidelines for energy audits, the AO would contain a list of all the equipment already in use that consumes energy and specify when it should be upgraded to a more energy-efficient model.

Additionally, the AO urged the appointment of an EEC Officer and contact persons in each government entity. It stressed the importance of compliance with the DOE-GEMP Online System, the formulation of EEC programs, and the allocation of appropriate resources to implement planned energy management initiatives.

Within thirty days of the AO taking effect, the DOE would publish the AO’s operational guidelines publicly.