DOE, DTI push for energy-saving lamps

CEBU, Philippines – With the erratic supply of power in the Visayas region, the Department of Energy and the Department of Trade and Industry are urging the public to help conserve electricity by using energy-saving lamps.

"There are two basic guidelines to attain energy conservation: turn off electrical devices when not needed and use energy-efficient devices," said Engineer Eduardo Amante of DOE.

Amante said that if government agencies are using Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs), there is no reason why the public should not. The public, he said, also has the social responsibility to help conserve energy.

"It is just a matter of personal discipline and choice," Amante said.

Aside from using CFLs, government agencies have also been directed to place their air-conditioning units at cool mode for only six hours and turn the unit into fan mode thereafter, especially during breaks.

Zaide Bation, head of the Welfare and Business Regulatory Division of DTI, explained that compared to incandescent bulbs, energy-efficient lamps can provide more light, but use less power and generate less heat.

Bation said a yellow Energy Label affixed to the packaging assures a consumer of a quality CFL product.

"Consumers can replace incandescent bulbs with CFL lamps at any Visayan Electric Company branch. Normally, it is 60 days per product. But CFL lamps have one-year warranty," Bation added.

Labios assured earlier that Central Visayas will not experience a "dark Christmas" with the operation of Unit 1 of the Kepco power plant in Naga town starting next month. The unit is expected to generate up to 80 megawatts of power and augment existing power supply.

The geothermal power plant in Leyte will also start operations on November 15.

DTI, meanwhile, also said it will strictly monitor the sale of Christmas lights, especially those sold along Colon Street, to ensure that they are keeping up with safety standards. The agency has already identified one establishment that is selling substandard lights. (FREEMAN)