Gov’t agencies told: Set aircon thermostat not lower than 24°C, among others

An inter-agency committee on Wednesday ordered government offices to observe energy-saving measures, such as setting air-conditioning thermostats to no lower than 24° Celsius and utilizing renewable energy sources if possible.

In a statement, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, chair of the Inter-Agency Energy Efficiency and Conservation Committee (IAEECC), reminded government agencies to comply with the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP).

“To mitigate the impacts of ongoing international developments and to ensure ample electricity supply during the hot dry season, the mandatory implementation of energy efficiency and conservation measures to achieve at least 10% savings, as well as strict compliance with the GEMP Guidelines and relevant IAEECC resolutions, is hereby enjoined,” the committee said in an advisory.

The reminder came after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told government agencies and offices to find ways to conserve energy resources amid the escalation of conflict in the Middle East.

Among the energy conservation practices outlined by the IAEECC are:

• Activating sleep settings on office equipment;
• Setting air-conditioning unit (ACU) thermostats to no lower than 24° Celsius and ensuring doors of air-conditioned spaces remain closed;
• Adopting Flexible Work Arrangements or implementing eight straight working hours, where practical and in accordance with applicable rules;
• Turning off lights and computers during lunch breaks (except in offices with a “No Noon Break” policy), after office hours, and when not in use;
• Replacing lighting systems with LED and air-conditioning units with inverter technology, and using appliances with higher energy efficiency ratings; and
• Utilizing on-site renewable energy sources, such as solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, where feasible.

Government agencies should also designate their respective Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EEC) professionals, including an EEC officer, focal person, and coordinator.

They should also submit monthly electricity and fuel consumption reports and provide an inventory of all energy-consuming equipment including lighting, air-conditioning units, office equipment, and vehicles.

Government agencies should also prepare their respective Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plan (EECP) or Local Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plan (LEECP).

Garin said the Department of Energy (DOE) will closely monitor government agencies’ compliance, with the DOE Energy Audit Team conducting random spot checks and issuing corresponding energy ratings. — JMA, GMA Integrated News