1-Care Rep. Carlos Roman Uybarreta highlighted the importance of an energy conservation roadmap as a way to monitor and effectively implement efficient utilization of energy for sustainable development.
In a report by PTVNews, Uybarreta was quoted as saying House Bill 8629 has set out the legal authority to implement the 2017-2040 National Efficiency and Conservation Plan.
The measure is on its final reading at the House of Representatives.
With the passage of the energy conservation bill, it will lay down policy bases and legal mandates for energy efficiency and conservation by all industries in the country, Uybarreta reportedly said.
The energy conservation roadmap sees a rise in energy demand by 80 percent from 2017 to 2040, with an annual rate of 3.5 percent, which calls for the need of a sensible utilization of energy resources to reduce its negative effects on the environment.
“A three percent reduction in energy intensity across key economic sectors will cushion the adverse impact on the environment and household finances. That is what the roadmap seeks to achieve,” Uybarreta was quoted in the report.
“Without this legal framework, the green architecture of industry and government, as well as the environment-friendly habits of households and communities over the next decades will not happen. This is the law that will set in motion all of that modern future of our country,” he added.
Under the legal framework, the Department of Energy (DOE) will lead the development and implementation of plans and programs, which will ensure the stability and sufficiency of energy supply of the country. This could cushion the impact of rising prices of imported fuels to local markets.
The DOE shall have the following responsibilities: (a) update the development of the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plan (NEECP) and monitor its implementation; (b) initiate and maintain collaborative efforts with the business sector to ensure their compliance; (c) support local government units (LGUs) in planning, promoting, and implementing the programs and in preparing their Local Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plans (LEECP); (d) develop a national awareness and advocacy campaign; and (e) provide annual reports to Congress on the status of the implementation, among others.
Energy-efficient projects shall be included in the government’s Strategic Investments Priorities Plan (SIPP) during the 15 years from the approval of the measure.
In addition, these programs shall be authorized to have a certificate from the Fiscal Incentives Review Board.
Anyone interested to do an energy-efficient project shall be exempted from income taxes for the first six years of their commercial operations. More investments in these projects shall allow further income tax exemption
They shall also be entitled to the following incentives: (a) awards and recognition for energy efficiency and conservation best practices, innovation and successful energy-efficient projects and products, and (b) technical assistance from government agencies in the development and promotion of energy-efficient technologies.
The DOE shall also be responsible in developing and enforcing a Mandatory Energy Efficiency Rating and Labeling (MEERL) for energy consuming products in order to aid the consumers in the selection of energy efficient appliances, as well as raise awareness on energy conservation.
Moreover, the DOE together with the Energy Regulatory Commission shall pursue a Demand Side Management (DSM) Program for the electric power sector as a way to decrease energy usage through effective load management.
