The Department of Energy (DOE) has intensified energy monitoring across government offices nationwide as the administration pushes agencies to reduce fuel and electricity consumption by 10–20% by the end of the year.

DOE said on Thursday that it is conducting energy audits and spot checks in government facilities to ensure compliance with the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP) and broader energy efficiency policies.

The move follows Memorandum Circular No. 114, Series of 2026 signed by Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., which mandates all national and local government entities to cut their electricity and fuel use by 10–20% by year-end. The directive is reinforced by a March 4 advisory from the Inter-Agency Energy Efficiency and Conservation Committee (IAEECC) led by Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin.

Under the spot-check program, DOE teams evaluate agencies’ adherence to key energy-saving practices. These include maintaining air-conditioning thermostats at no lower than 24°C, limiting unnecessary use of cooling systems, shifting to energy-efficient lighting and office equipment, and applying fuel-saving practices for government vehicles.

Agencies are also encouraged to implement flexible work arrangements where feasible, install on-site renewable energy systems, and submit consumption data through the Online GEMP System.

To strengthen compliance, all offices are required to designate Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EEC) professionals—such as energy officers, focal persons, and coordinators—who will oversee conservation measures and reporting.

“At a time when energy must be managed with greater discipline and responsibility, government institutions must set the standard by showing that conservation can be practiced every day without compromising service to the public,” Garin said.

“Every unit of energy saved in government helps reduce unnecessary costs, promotes greater efficiency in public operations, and reflects our duty to use public resources wisely,” she added.

The DOE also reiterated the obligation of all government entities to comply with Republic Act No. 11285 and Administrative Order No. 15, along with other relevant policies governing energy efficiency.

To improve transparency and accountability, the agency said it will publish compliance results of government entities on its official website.

How effective do you think these audits will be in delivering measurable reductions in government energy consumption remains a key point for discussion.

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