DOE, EU to Support Sustainable Energy in Rural Areas

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ADDRESSING ACCESS TO SUSTAINABLE POWER AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY: The 3rd ASEP Steering Committee Meeting was held last 15 November at the DOE-Audio Visual Room in Taguig City. Representing the DOE were (seated L-R) Dir. Angelina Manga-Administrative Services, Dir. Araceli Soluta-Financial Services, Usec. Felix William Fuentebella, (standing L-R) Dir. Mylene Capongcol-Renewable Energy Management Bureau (REMB), Arthus Tenazas-Legal Services, Dir. Mario Marasigan-Electric Power Industry Management Bureau (EPIMB), Dir. Jesus Tamang-Energy Utilization and Management Bureau and DOF officials, together with counterpart representatives of the EU Delegation were (seated R-L) Dir. Danielle Marie Rieza Culangen-Legal Services, Josephine Tioseco-Non-Key Expert Energy Efficiency, Mr. Enrico Strampelli-Head Development Section, discussed the synchronization of work plans towards the total rural electrification vision of the government using sustainable energy and energy efficiency to empower the Filipinos.

The government will exert greater efforts to provide sustainable energy to rural communities through its ongoing partnership with the European Union's Access to Sustainable Energy Programme (ASEP), the Department of Energy (DOE) said today.

During the 3rd ASEP Steering Committee Meeting held at the DOE AVR room last 15 November, Energy Undersecretary Felix William B. Fuentebella said “Energy Sec. Alfonso G. Cusi requires that ASEP work plans should be synchronized with the Philippine Energy Plan and the sectoral roadmaps.”

“We have to focus on energy efficiency and capacity building to further empower our people, especially those living in the rural communities,” Fuentebella emphasized.

A 6-month progress report covering April-September 2017 submitted to the DOE enumerated work programs already met under the subcomponents of rural electrification, energy efficiency and capacity development programs.

As to rural electrification, completed and undergoing final review by the DOE were: the policies for Missionary Electrification Subsidy Rationalization, Streamlining and Harmonizing Power Contracting Process for Off-Grid and its Implementing Rules and Regulations together with the Enhancing Policy and Regulations to Attract Off-Grid Investments,

For energy efficiency, completed while the preparation of recommendations on Product Particular Requirements (PPRs) for TVs, washing machines and electric fans will continue were: the program for appliance standards and labeling, including the development of PPRs for LED lamps.

Fuentebella said “The DOE-ASEP cooperation initiated a market survey for LED lamps and the design of energy labels for LED, aircon and refrigerators.”

“We are also working with EU-ASEP in drafting a national strategy for energy efficiency in the power sector, strengthening the Government Energy Management Program through building energy performance standards and benchmarking, including reviewing the Energy Efficiency Bill for finalization,” the Energy Official added.

On the capacity development subcomponent, Fuentebella clarified that there will be workshops for the implementation in 2017 until mid-2018 with high-level study abroad, among others.

All of these efforts according to Fuentebella will contribute to fulfilling the three key results areas for the program:
         

1. Strengthening the capacity of energy sector stakeholders to pursue a pro-poor sustainable energy policy and institutional reforms;

2. Facilitating investments aimed at increasing access to renewable energy in rural, remote and high-poverty areas, especially in Mindanao; and

3. Promoting pro-poor and disaster-resilient innovative energy solutions for job creation and wider access, such as solar or hydropower pumps, solar lanterns and solar dyers.

The ASEP is a joint undertaking of the DOE and the EU to promote total electrification, energy security, efficiency and sustainability in the Philippines.

“The DOE remains committed to empowering all Filipinos, especially those who are marginalized and underprivileged, through sustainable and affordable energy options,” Fuentebella concluded.

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