By Joann Villanueva | Philippine News Agency
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin has called on power consumers to adopt energy conservation as a habit, which, once it becomes a lifestyle, will benefit not only individuals but the whole country.
During the launch of the energy conservation program called Oras Natin sa Efficiency or O.N.E. campaign at the globe of SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City on Thursday night, Garin said the program encourages individuals to start the practice of consciously conserving electricity.
Under the program, the government encourages power consumers to turn off their lights and unplug appliances and all electrical devices that are not being used for an hour, from 8:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. on Saturdays.
Sec. Garin said “the real goal is what comes after that hour.”
“A habit that stays with us through the week. A way of thinking about energy that becomes second nature at home, at work, and in everything we do. That is how a single hour becomes a lifestyle. A lifestyle that becomes part of nation building,” she said.
Citing the energy conserved during the observance of Earth Hour last March 28, from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Garin said electricity demand during that period declined by around 145 megawatts, which, she said, is equivalent to the power used by around 1 million homes.
In a media interview after the launch, the DOE chief said SM Group has committed to helping with the program’s implementation, and she expects it to have a domino effect among private-sector stakeholders.
“I think the reset will just follow, and we will be happy if they accept our invitation to join this program,” she added.
