DAVAO CITY – A strong partnership between the Department of Energy (DOE) and government communicators will build a well-informed and empowered energy consumers.
This was emphasized by DOE Undersecretary for Power, Renewable Energy and Media Affairs Felix Fuentebella, in the ongoing three-day National Information Convention held here at the SMX Convention Center.
He said an informed energy consumer is an empowered one.
“We believe in the DOE that with you and the e-power concept, the Philippines will indeed be competitive,” Fuentebella said.
Fuentebella said e-power concept means capturing the energy and using it efficiently for global competition.
He emphasized on the power of information as a tool that can help power consumers to cut the unnecessary costs while industry players are bound to compete more effectively.
“Ito po ang rules ng game natin – through cost and users’ pay (This is our game – through cost and users’ pay),” he said.
He said the advocacy campaign under TRAIN (Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion) regime is where the DOE and government communicators’ partnership can work.
“We need you to be our partners in guiding our most valuable players – our energy consumers. We need to make our energy consumers to understand the cost and benefits of the TRAIN law,” he added.
One of the benefits of the power of information, for example, was the savings gained on fuel products.
DOE was able to prevent big players to impose excise taxes just as the TRAIN became effective.
When DOE heard reports of an impending increase, it immediately released advisories that no increase can be imposed on old stocks, Fuentebella added.
“We have to protect the consumers,” he said.
The timely advisories, meeting with consumers, press conferences, validation, and onsite monitoring, resulted in savings for the consumers of a total of PHP2.6 billion in gasoline, diesel and kerosene and PHP58.4 million on Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) from old to new stocks prices.
He further hinted at partnership and teamwork as the best way to put information across more efficiently and effectively to consumers who should take note that energy and efficiency savings card must be practiced as a way of life.
During his presentation at the NIC, Fuentebella also showed video tips on energy conservation.
He vowed that DOE will continue to educate and advocate on energy efficiency scorecards for consumers like the Yellow Label when buying electrical appliances and the practical household conservation tips.
He disclosed that DOE and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) will also push for the full implementation of the Retail Competition and Open Access because the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) gives the electricity consumers the power of choice.
DOE will be introducing the captured customers wherein electricity consumers can choose their electricity supplier to reduce cost.
There is also the Green Energy Option or Renewable Energy which strengthens the country’s RE vision for the country.
This part make consumers an informed choice, Fuentebella said.
Fuentebella added that the DOE will not stop to endeavor in diversifying sources of energy for as long as the laws on safety and environmental standards are followed.
All this, Fuentebella said, would ensure a smooth, secure use of energy. (PNA)
