PELP FAQs

A. GENERAL PELP AND MEPP GUIDELINES AND COVERAGE

Scope / Coverage

  • It says that our product is covered by PELP, does it mean that every model of that product should have a DOE Label?

It depends on the SPECIFICATIONS of the product.

Each product type covered by PELP has a scope that is stated in the IG for that product. Only products that falls within the specification of that scope are required to have an Energy Label.

However, please note that the DOE will continue to work on the expansion of the scope of PELP to cover more ECPs so it will be best to regularly check on the PELP coverage.

Air Conditioners

  • I'm looking for a 1 horsepower aircon, I can't find that information on the Energy Label?

When it comes to the Energy label, the size or cooling capacity of an aircon is expressed in the unit of kW This is a more accurate and specific representation of how well an aircon can cool a given space (example is 3.45 kW or 5.20 kW) instead of horsepower which is usually stated in fixed values like 0.5, 0. 75, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 or 5.0 etc.

 

Refrigerating Appliances

  • Why are there 2 different star ratings for Refrigerating Appliances?

The Big Yellow Stars, visible on the upper part of DOE energy label, refers to the energy efficiency rating of specific Ref models. The other rating, that looks like small asterisks at the middle part of the label, is the Coldness Star Rating and represents the lowest I coldest temperature that the unit can achieve. This coldness star rating is unique to refrigerating appliances.

Television Sets

  • Our TV's screen size is over 60 inches, does it have a star rating?

No. While it still needs to meet a minimum efficiency rating of 3.0 EEF, its official energy label will only show the efficiency rating but without an actual star rating (see sample below).

  • Is there a MEP for television sets equipped with an Emergency Warning Broadcast System (EWBS) feature?

There is no MEP for Television Sets with an EWBS feature.

  • Are OLED TVs (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) covered by PELP?

Yes. If the unit has a tuner, then it is covered by PELP

Lighting Products

What is the minimum rated life of lighting products covered by PELP?
 
The applicable minimum rated lives are as follows:
  1. Light-Emitting Diode (LEO) Lamps15,000 hours
  2. Self-Ballasted Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL) 6,000 hours
  3. Linear or Double-Capped  Fluorescent Lamps (LFL or DFL)

    3.1 Halophosphate lamps 10,000 hours
    3.2 Triphosphor lamp 15,000 hours

  4. Single-Capped Fluorescent Lamps (SFL) 10,000 hours

B. PELP IMPLEMENTATION

1.  When is the implementation of the new MEPP?

The implementation  of the new IGs (with the new MEP and new star ranges) will commence this year (2024) or, to be more specific, once we are able to launch the
updated PELP System. Until such time, the labels that issued still follow the old MEP
and old star ranges.

2.  For covered ECPs stated in Annex B of DC2020-06-0015, when will be the start of their registration?

The registration for the said products will immediately take place once the PELP System is able to accommodate  the said ECPs. Please remember that before the System is adjusted to accept applications for new products, the corresponding Implementing Guidelines (/Gs) for that new product should have been issued and published first.

3.  What MEP standards must a product meet if it is manufactured and assembled outside the Philippines?

The said products must both pass the MEP set by the country of origin and the PELP (or whichever is higher). If the country of origin does not have a MEP for a specific product, then that same product needs only to pass the MEP set by PELP

4.  We are aware that a new PELP Online System will be released this year (2024).
Do we need to re-apply all our registered products?  The problem is that all our past test reports are now expired, and re-testing would be expensive.

Once we launch the new PELP system, there will be a requirement  to re-apply all the registered models. However, please be informed that we will make it such that the re-application would be easier than the normal application.

The approach is that some of the required data fields and attachments are already provided  and  the applicant  need  only  review  the  information  that  was  already provided and fill-out the ones that are still missing before submitting to DOE. Furthermore,  this approach  will not require  additional  payment  and  the old test reports will be accepted without the need for product re-testing or report re-issuance.

C. PELP SYSTEM REGISTRATION

1.  How much are the fees for the PELP Registration?

Company  Registration - PHP 1,600.00
Product Registration - PhP 300.00 per product model
Issuance of Energy Label- PhP 300.00 per product model (1-year validity)
or
Issuance of Energy  Label (such as Certificate  of Exemption or the Certificate  of
Conditional Approval) - PHP 300.00

2.  Are manufacturers from overseas allowed to register in PELP?

Since the PELP requires submission of locally issued permits and certifications as part of the documentary requirements during the Company Registration application, only  businesses   with  local  I Philippine-based   offices  may  register.  For manufacturers situated overseas, their Philippine-based office/s or local distributor/s may register under PELP instead.

3.  How can we get energy labels?

The Energy Label for a specific product model may be requested by completing the online Company Registration, Product Registration, and Request for Energy Label Steps in the PELP System.

4.  Do you accept performance  test reports from testing facilities abroad when we are applying for product registration?

Yes. Provided that they are ISO 17025-accredited,  and their scope of accreditation covers the relevant testing standards mentioned in the various IGs of specific ECPs.

5.  What is the difference between a Base and a Generic Model?

Base Models refer to models whose main component and other design components are distinct in voltage rating, power input, frequency, light output, etc., while Generic Models refer to a range of models SIMILAR TO THE BASE MODEL where all have the same major physical characteristics, construction, system design, and other performance characteristics.

In simpler terms, the base model  can be interpreted as the original design for a certain model while the generic models are the models derived from the base model that, despite minor differences, should have the same energy performance. This is also the reason why, during product registration, the test report of a base model is applicable for its generic counterparts.

D. ENFORCEMENT, MONITORING AND VERIFICATION

1.  How often will DOE conduct market monitoring activities?
 
Under Chapter IV, Section B, titled 'Monitoring Frequency,' of the Implementing Guidelines on Registration Procedures, Enforcement, Monitoring, Verification, and Compliance  Mechanism,  as amended,  it states that monitoring the compliance to the PELP requirements by applicants and retailers in various regions of the country will be scheduled by the OMT and shall be conducted at least once a year.
 
2.  What is the difference between monitoring and verification activities  under the PELP?
 
For monitoring activities, DOE will check for the presence of the energy labels on products seen  in the market, confirm  if the label is updated and examine if the printed information matches those within the PELP database.
 
For verification activities, DOE will validate the product claims through the following steps:
• DOE tags actual samples found in the stores
• DOE informs the corresponding PELP-registered company about the tagged samples
• The PELP-registered company secures the tagged samples and sends them to a DOE-Recognized Testing Lab for verification testing
• Whenever  applicable,  PELP-registered   company   updates  their  product details in accordance with the result of the verification testing
 
3.  When would be the start of the Enforcement Activity?
 
Enforcement activities for Air conditioners, Refrigerating Appliances, Television Sets and Lighting Products have already started last March 2024.
 
For newer product types (e.g., electric fans, clothes washing machines, etc.) having their own Implementing Guidelines (IGs), enforcement activities will start at least 2 years after the publication of their corresponding IGs or, to be more specific, at least six (6) months after the release of DOE's advisory on the schedule of enforcement for the specific product type.
 
4. Who will be considered accountable for violations under the PELP? Will it be the retailer, the manufacturer, or both?
 
In cases like these, an investigation by the DOE will take place. Accountability will fall on the entity that caused the violation.
 
5. What happens when Non-Compliances  (NCs) were found during monitoring activities?
 
NCs shall trigger the provisions of the Show Cause Order which can be summarized as follows:
 
• An order to immediately stop the selling of the affected models
• The concerned parties involved shall be given 10 working days to submit a letter of explanation to DOE (as to why they should not be penalized) OR they could use the 10 working  days to resolve the NC and submit proof I
evidence of compliance to DOE to resume the selling of the affected model.
• If the explanation was found to be lacking or if the concerned parties failed to respond I resolve the NC within the allotted time frame, then the findings shall be endorsed to the DOE Legal Services for the appropriate action (which may lead to the imposition of penalties).
 
6. Could you give us examples of how to resolve the common Non-Compliances (NCs)?
 
NC: Expired Energy Label (exceeded the 1-year validity)
Action: Contact the owner of the label (PELP-registered company) have them renew it via the PELP System
 
NC: The contents of the printed label differ from the contents found in the PELP Database I QR Link
Action: Contact the owner of the label (PELP-registered company) and request for the most updated label and replace the existing printed label. The NC may have been due to a situation wherein the product details underwent an update, but the updated label was not forwarded to the store. Hence, the store ended up displaying an obsolete label.
 
NC: Printed label was found to be off-color I visibly damaged I with visual defects Action:  Contact  the  owner  of  the  label  (PELP-registered  company)  and  either request for a newly printed label or the electronic file for the label that is ready for printing. Either way, the NC should be resolved after replacing it with the correct label.
 
NC: No label was found for the product  and the DOE Team said it was already registered in the system
Action: Contact the source of the item (PELP-registered company) and request for a label. Since the item was found in the PELP Database then securing  the label should be fast and easy.
 
NC: No label was found for the product and the DOE Team said that the model is not registered to PELP:
Action: Stop selling the item. Contact the source of the item and have them undergo the required processes to secure an Energy Label. Resume selling the item as soon as you get hold of the correct energy label.
 
7.  Do we need to replace the old yellow labels with the new DOE Energy Labels?
 
Yes. The yellow  labels  are not considered  as a substitute  for the DOE Energy Labels.
 
8.  Is it okay to display the PELP Promotional Mark as a replacement for Energy Label?
 
It depends.
 
If you are referring to the labels attached to the products themselves at the stores, then  the PELP Promotional  Mark WILL NOT DO. You need to attach the actual Energy Labels.
 
If you are referring to product brochures or printed advertisements, then YES. The PELP Promotional Mark can used as an alternative to the Energy Label.
 
9.  How to request for PELP promotional Mark?
 
The PELP Promotional Mark will be available in the enhanced version of the PELP System (to be launched  this year, 2024). Once the request for Energy Label has been approved, the PELP Promotional Mark will also be included along with energy label files issued to the applicant.
 
10.Why are there 3 batches in the verification testing sampling?
 
The 2nd and 3rd batches will only be necessary if the testing result of the 1st batch fails the prescribed requirements under PELP.
 
11.Will sampling be done for products with energy labels only or will it include products without energy labels?
 
Sampling will be done only for products registered in the PELP System.
 
On the other hand, PELP-covered  products without energy labels, if being sold in the  market,  will  instead  be  treated  as  Non-Compliance   to  the  PELP  and  be subjected to the prescribed enforcement measures.
 
12.1n case of disputes I challenges, who is the official laboratory that will conduct the testing?
 
The  DOE-LATO or a DOE-recognized  testing  laboratory  will  do the verification testing.
 
13. What will happen to products drawn during verification activities?
 
Products drawn will be tested at the DOE-LATO or any DOE-Recognized Testing Laboratory. Samples drawn from retail stores for this purpose shall be replaced by the PELP-Registered Company that took them (as indicated in the signed Acknowledgement of Tagged Samples or ATS).
 
14.Who will bring the samples for verification testing from the store/warehouse to the testing facility?
 
The related PELP-Registered Company. You may also refer to item #2 for more info.
 
15.1n verification testing, who will shoulder the cost of the testing?
 
The related PELP-Registered Company or the one who took the sample from the store.
 
 

E. ADDITIONAL INFO

1.  What are the mandated functions of the unit?

  • Based on Republic Act 11285, the EUMB-EPRED is mandated to perform the following functions:
    • Spearheading    the    creation    of     the    National    Energy    Efficiency    and Conservation Database (NEECD) System;
    • Formulating, developing, and updating the Minimum Energy Performance of Products  (MEPP),  energy  labeling,  and other  programs  indicated  in the EE&C Act;
    • Enforcing the programs under the EE&C Act and its IRR, such as MEPP and energy labeling.

2.  What have been the accomplishments of the unit to date?

  • Since the enactment of RA11285, the EUMB-EPRED has initiated the conduct of the following activities:

1.  Development  of policies relevant to energy  performance and labeling requirements

a.  Department Circulars related to the PELP:

i.     Department  Circular  No.  DC  2020-06-0015

Prescribing the Guidelines of the Philippine Energy  Labeling  Program  (PELP)  for Compliance     of    Importers,     Manufacturers, 

Distributors, and Dealers of Electrical Appliances and other Energy-Consuming Products (ECP)

ii.     Department  Circular  No.  DC  2020-06-0016   -

Prescribing  the Minimum  Energy  Performance for Products (MEPP) covered by the Philippine Energy  Labeling  Program  (PELP)  for Compliance of Importers, Manufacturers, Distributors, Dealers and Retailers of Energy­ Consuming Products (ECP)

iii.  Department Circular No. DC2022-03-0005 - Guidelines for   the   Recognition    of   Testing Laboratories for the Examination, Testing & Verification of the Energy Efficiency of Energy­ Consuming               Products    (ECPs)    &     the   Fuel Efficiency of Transport Vehicles, Including the Issuance of Certificate of Endorsement to the Board of Investments (801) for Fiscal Incentives

b. Eleven (11) Implementing Guidelines on the following:

i.  Air Conditioners

ii.  Lighting Products

iii.   Refrigerating Appliances iv. Television Sets

v.  Display Monitor

vi.  Energy Saving Devices vii.  Electric Fans

viii.  Clothes Washing Machines

ix. PELP Registration, Enforcement,  Monitoring, Verification, and Compliance Mechanism

x.   Specification,  Dimension,   and  Presentation   of Energy Label

xi.   Composition     and     Responsibilities     of     the Technical Working Group for the Development of Particular Product Requirements and Minimum Energy Performance of Products under the Philippine Energy Labeling Program

2. Enhancement   and  maintenance   of  the  Philippine   Energy Labeling         Program   (System)   under   the   National   Energy Efficiency and Conservation Database (NEECD) initiative.

3.  Registration and label issuance for PELP-covered ECPs.

4.  Enforcement & Monitoring Activities under PELP.

5. Recognition  of Testing Laboratories  for Energy  Performance Testing of ECPs.

3.  What are the objectives of the PELP?

The objectives of PELP are as follows:

  • Influence   the   public   towards   the   practice   of   energy   efficiency   and conservation  (EEC)  as  a  way  of  life  through  the use  of  energy-efficient products
  • Empower  consumers  in choosing  energy-efficient  products at the point of sale
  • Realize energy savings and reduction of energy consumption I bills through the use of energy-efficient products
  • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions

4.  What are energy labels?

  • As defined in Section 9 of Department Circular (DC) No. DC2020-06-0015  as amended, energy labels refer to the prescribed tag/sticker/marker that bears the DOE logo and essential energy performance ratings (i.e., efficiency, energy consumption, etc.).

5.  What are the current activities/initiatives  under the PELP?

  • Development  of the Online  Registration  Portal for Recognition  of Testing Laboratories
  • Development of Energy Label Template for additional coverage
  • Inclusion  of registration  modules  for Display  Monitors and Energy  Saving Devices in the PELP System
  • Enhancement of the PELP System
  • Development  of Draft  Particular  Product Requirements  and  Implementing Guidelines  for the additional  coverage  of PELP (e.g.,  Electric  Iron,  Rice Cooker, etc.)

6.  What is the status of PELP Registration?

  • As of 30 August 2024, registration to the PELP System are as follows:
Registered Company: 166 companies
Registred Products:  
Air-Conditioners 2,146 products
Lighting Products 3,609 products
Refrigerating Appliances 1,045 products
Television Sets 1,511 products
Electric Fans 24 products
Total 8,335 products
Issued Energy Labels:  
Air-Conditioners 3,230 products
Lighting Products 3,035 products
Refrigerating Appliances 1,490 products
Television Sets 1,866 products
Electric Fans 23 products
Total 9,644 Issued Energy Labels
Issued Certificate of Exemption:  
Air-Conditioners697 697 products
Lighting Products 1,452 products
Refrigerating Appliances 346 products
Television Sets 508 products
Total 3,003 Certificate of Exemptions

7.  What is the basis of the number of stars in the energy labels?

  • The basis for the number of stars in the energy label is the Energy Efficiency Performance Rating (EEPR) or Energy Efficiency Rating, which is equivalent to the following:
    • Cooling Seasonal Performance Factor (CSPF) for Air conditioners
    • Energy Efficiency Factor (EEF) for Refrigerating Appliances, Television Sets, Washing Machines, Electric Fans and Display Monitor.
    • Efficacy for Lighting Products.
    • Percent Energy Savings for Energy Saving Devices
  • The  star  equivalent  of  the  product's  Energy  Efficiency  Performance  Rating (EEPR) can be determined through the matrix found in the PELP Implementing Guidelines for each ECPs:
    • Section 1.6.3 of the PELP IGs for Air-Conditioners
    • Section 1.6.3 of the PELP IGs for Television Sets
    • Section 1.6.3 of the PELP IGs for Refrigerating Appliances
    • Section 1.6 of the PELP for Lighting Products
    • Section 1.6 of the PELP for Energy Saving Devices