The Philippine Inter-Agency Energy Efficiency and Conservation Committee (IAEECC) issued a resolution to encourage government entities, including government-owned and managed companies, state universities and colleges, and local government units to use renewable energy to help reduce the country's exposure to fluctuations in fuel prices in international markets.
The Philippine Department of Energy (DOE) has stated that government entities have three years, starting from July 7 when the resolution takes effect, to install solar photovoltaic systems (solar PV system) or any equivalent renewable energy technology. It should provide an initial supply of at least 20% of their peak monthly electricity consumption in previous years to meet their electricity needs.
Utilizing solar energy is also part of complying with the government's energy management plan, which encourages all government agencies to reduce their electricity consumption by at least 10%, said the DOE.
According to IAEECC Resolution 8, government entities that install solar PV systems or any equivalent regenerative technology with a capacity of no more than 100 kW can become qualified end-users and sign net-metering agreements with distribution utilities. This allows users to inject excess electricity generated by their own solar power systems into the grid and draw power from the grid when needed.
The DOE, through its Energy Utilization Management Bureau, will assist these entities in installing technically compliant solar PV systems. In addition, the department will also provide an official list of solar PV installers for reference and guidance. Meanwhile, DOE will work with the Departments of Public Works and Highways to assess the structural integrity of these agency buildings.
