Cusi Lauds PH Solar Energy Development

Photo Caption: Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi together with President Rodrigo Duterte, Senator Loren Legarda, Philippine Economic Zone Authority Director General Charito Plaza, Solar Philippines President Lean Leviste with Team Solar Philippines staffers during yesterday's First Filipino Owned Solar Factory inauguration.

The inauguration of the first Filipino-owned solar panel facility in Batangas Wednesday is a testament to the government's progress in revitalizing the local renewable energy (RE) industry for the benefit of consumers and the economy, according to Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi.

“Investments in RE facilities and technologies can create more jobs," Cusi said at the event graced by President Rodrigo Duterte. "We can also take pride in trading Filipino-made energy technologies, while also developing Filipino expertise in RE technologies.” The RE investment also empowers consumers through more affordable and sustainable energy use, according to the Secretary.

“The solar panel facility and similar investments on solar energy will support the implementation of vital renewable energy policies. This includes the net-metering program, which encourages consumers to become 'prosumers'. This is done by the installation of solar rooftop systems in their properties and enable consumers to produce their own energy. In the end, it results to energy efficiency and savings on power cost,” Cusi said.

“Moreover, with more energy options available, consumers are expected to gear towards finding the right balance and ‘diskarte’ in satisfying their energy needs,” he added.

“Having more energy choices would also support the implementation of Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) under the Electric Power Industry,” Cusi pointed out.

Cusi also said, “These investments would support the total electrification goal by 2022, accelerate delivery of energy services, and drive the development of RE particularly solar for baseload through a 24/7 battery storage.”

Cusi, all the same, emphasized that the DOE remains aggressive in providing a level playing field for the investors in the various energy technologies for the benefit of the Filipino consumers.