THE Department of Energy (DOE) has already started conducting spot checks on various government entities following the issuance of the Inter-Agency Energy Efficiency and Conservation Committee (IAEECC) Advisory on the “Mandatory Implementation of Energy Efficiency and Conservation Programs, and the Strict Observance of the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP) Guidelines.”
The spot checks are being done through the DOE-Energy Utilization Management Bureau (DOE-EUMB),
Under the GEMP, each government entity (GE) shall be given a score based on the applicable parameters, and the compliance percentage shall be computed and shall serve as the score of the GE. A star rating shall be issued to the GE in observance of a scoring table.
The Department of Science and Technology-Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITD) was the first GE to be spot-checked. Among their office energy efficiency and conservation (EEC) policies included the setting of their air-conditioning units at 24 degrees Celsius, the use of energy efficient LED lamps and inverter air-conditioners, and the regular upkeep of their service vehicles. They also showcased the solar streetlights and solar PV infrastructure installed in their facility. Their proactive use of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency technologies contribute to the lowering of the agency’s electricity costs, as well as other benefits.
For their full compliance to the GEMP, the DOE issued an agency rating of five-stars to the DOST-ITDI. The Institute’s representatives who are responsible for the effective implementation and administration of their EEC programs were present to receive the rating.
Other agencies visited by the DOE that day were the National Housing Authority and the Public-Private Partnership Center. Both received five-star ratings for their full compliance to the GEMP through EEC best practices and fuel- and electricity-saving measures.
The Department of Agriculture, on the other hand, received three-stars.
The DOE-EUMB will continue visiting GEs nationwide as part of efforts to firm up the public sector’s commitment to making energy efficiency and conservation a part of national consciousness.