_{^{Photo credit: Sen. Win Gatchalian official Facebook page}}

Senator Win Gatchalian has urged the Department of Energy (DOE) to accelerate the implementation of its energy efficiency program to help ensure sufficient power supply across the country.

“I was hoping we would have bigger savings by now,” said Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Committee on Finance, during the hearing on the proposed budget of the DOE and its attached agencies. He noted that energy savings currently stand at only 0.72% of the country’s total power consumption.

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EEC) Act, which Gatchalian authored, seeks to promote energy stability, reduce fuel costs, and protect the environment by requiring energy-intensive industries to follow efficiency standards. It also encourages the use of renewable technologies and offers incentives for projects that promote energy conservation.

According to Gatchalian, only 9,278 establishments have so far registered under the EEC system, far short of the roughly 150,000 companies classified as large taxpayers — those with annual gross sales exceeding PHP1 billion. “Malayo pa tayo,” he said, stressing the need for stronger compliance efforts.

He also called on the DOE to prioritize implementing the program within government offices, including local government units. Gatchalian said the department has the authority to compel government institutions to comply with the provisions of the EEC Act.

How do you think the DOE can boost participation in the country’s energy efficiency program?

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