The Department of Energy (DOE) said the government’s implementation of energy efficiency measures has generated savings of about Php 400 million for the first quarter of the year. 

In a report by Philippine Star, the DOE says that from January to March, government electricity consumption fell to 31 gigawatt hours (GWh), translating to about Php 365 million in savings.

Under the Administrative Order (AO) 15, government agencies are mandated to accelerate the rollout of the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP) to optimize energy efficiency.

The government’s target for the GEMP is to reduce electricity and fuel usage by at least 10% through planned energy efficiency and conservation measures. 

Additionally, a little over half a billion liters of fuel were estimated to have been reduced throughout the quarter, saving around Php 35 million.

In support of AO 15’s objectives, the DOE will hold its first-ever regional GEMP summit in Mandaue City, Cebu, specifically aimed at energy efficiency and conservation (EEC) professionals.

The energy department said that establishing initiatives to further employ energy efficiency efforts in government facilities could not only lower carbon emissions but also generate more jobs for Filipinos. 

Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla further pointed out that EEC experts in the public sector have a duty to set a good example and inspire change.