The Department of Energy announces the commencement of the first Regional Government Energy Management Program (GEMP) Summit for Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EEC) professionals tomorrow, 23 July 2024 at Bai Hotel in Mandaue City, Cebu.

This Summit will bring together EEC professionals from the public sector to address challenges and seize the opportunities in implementing EEC projects in government establishments.

Under the theme Administrative No. (AO) 15: Building a Pathway for a More Energy Efficient Government in the Future, the Summit will delve into innovative EEC solutions specifically designed for government building and facilities. AO 15 mandates comprehensive energy audits, inventories of current energy-consuming equipment, and clear timelines for upgrading to more energy-efficient alternatives. It also ensures compliance with DOE guidelines on energy-conserving building design and the Philippine Green Building Code for new constructions and retrofits.

The Summit will also highlight best practices in energy efficiency applicable to the government, processes for formulating EEC plans for local government units and other entities, and the future of regional cooperation in EEC initiatives across the Philippines.

Signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., AO No. 15 accelerates the implementation of the GEMP, as directed by the Inter-Agency Energy Efficiency and Conservation Committee (IAEECC) established under the EEC Act. The GEMP aims to reduce government-wide electricity and fuel consumption by at least 10% through strategic energy efficiency and conservation measures.

In the first quarter of 2024 alone, the government has saved around 31 GWh in electricity usage equivalent to nearly PhP365 million in cost savings while over half a billion liters of fuel have been conserved, resulting to almost PhP35 million in savings.  

Deploying strategies to enhance energy efficiency in government buildings and facilities could further lead to a substantial savings for the government, creating new jobs and reducing carbon emissions. 

“EEC professionals in the public sector have a dual responsibility--- to lead by example and to inspire broader societal change. By demonstrating the tangible benefits of energy management, this Summit will foster a momentum for the wider adoption of sustainable solutions and practices within the government sector,” Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla said. ###