THE Department of Energy (DOE) has issued an advisory directing all government agencies to strictly conserve energy.
The DOE said Friday the advisory forms part of the government’s proactive measures to ease the impact of the conflict in the Middle East and to help ensure sufficient and reliable electricity supply during the dry season, when power demand typically rises.
Among the energy-saving measures are the activation of sleep settings on office equipment, setting air-conditioning thermostats at no lower than 24 degrees Celsius, turning off lights and computers during lunch breaks and after office hours when not in use, and shifting to more energy-efficient technologies such as LED lighting and inverter-type air-conditioning systems.
The advisory also encourages the adoption of flexible work arrangements, where practical and applicable, and the use of on-site renewable energy systems such as solar power, where feasible.
“The government must lead by example in using energy wisely and responsibly, especially during periods of heightened demand and global uncertainty. Through the strict implementation of the Government Energy Management Program, we are reinforcing a culture of conservation in public institutions while helping safeguard the country’s energy security,” Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said in a statement.
The department announced a day earlier that it has intensified the monitoring of the downstream oil industry following reports of possible hoarding and profiteering in the sale of petroleum products.
It said it coordinated with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to ensure swift action against any violators, as its field offices have submitted initial reports and supporting evidence indicating potential irregularities in fuel supply and retail practices such as overcharging.
“Recently, our field office in Cebu had stated that there have been some stations and retailers that have been charging too much for their fuels. Not only is it illegal, but it is inhumane and anti-Filipino. We have asked the DILG, the PNP and the mayors that we all work together to make sure that this does not happen, because again, you cannot take advantage of the sufferings of the Filipino people,” Garin said.
The DOE is asking consumers and the public to promptly report any suspected incidents of hoarding, refusal to sell, price manipulation or profiteering to the DOE through its Oil Industry Management Bureau, Consumer Welfare and Promotion Office, and Field Offices.
Consumers may file complaints through the government hotline 8888, the DOE Consumer Welfare and Promotion Office telephone number 8840-2267, the Department of Energy Official Facebook Messenger, or via email at cwpo@doe.gov.ph.
