BY: ROI ANTHONI B. LOMOTAN
DUMAGUETE CITY, Aug. 14 (PIA) – The Department of Energy – Visayas Field Office (DOE-VFO) conducted a seminar on Government Energy Management Program (GEMP) to promote energy efficiency conservation in government buildings here.
The event is part of DOE’s information, education and communication (IEC) campaign to encourage government stakeholders to practice energy conservation in their respective institutions.
The seminar was attended by heads of national government agencies here. DOE-VFO Dir. Antonio Labios said the goal is also to remind government offices on the administrative order signed by former President Gloria Arroyo requiring government institutions to implement measures that would reduce power consumption by 10 percent.
Administrative Order 103 states government offices must lower down by 10% the consumption of water, fuel, electricity and other utilities and “For this purpose, agencies are hereby authorized to install and use energy-efficient lights and fixtures.”
To do this, Labios mentioned that government agencies should monitor their use of lights and other electrical appliances especially air conditioning units since they consumes more power.
In addition, DOE’s yellow label on appliances will guide consumers on which appliances are energy efficient.
“This label that displays energy efficiency ratings of a certain appliance will serve as guide to consumers on what to buy,” Labios said.
He explained DOE tests some appliances like washing machines, refrigerators, air conditioning units, etc. for their energy efficiency ratings (EER). Those with higher EERs are more energy efficient.
Apart from energy saving tips, DOE-VFO officials also gave an overview on the National Energy Efficiency Program.
Some of the government agencies who attended the seminar were the Department of Science and Technology, Government Service Insurance System and Department of Agrarian Reform. (mbcn/ral/PIA7-NegOr)