Palace orders heightened enforcement of Government Energy Management Program

Malacañang has directed the accelerated implementation of the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP).

The GEMP is a government-wide program aimed at reducing the government's monthly consumption of electricity and petroleum products through efficient use and conservation of energy and fuel, among others.

In signing Administrative Order No. 15, President Ferdinand "Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. said there is a need to intensify efficient utilization and conservation efforts of electricity and fuel to mitigate power demand amidst the ongoing El Niño phenomenon.

''All agencies and instrumentalities of the national government, including government-owned or -controlled corporations are hereby directed, and all LGUs are hereby encouraged to undertake efforts to ensure efficient and judicious utilization of energy,'' the AO read.

Marcos tasked concerned agencies and offices to accelerate conduct energy audits from certified energy auditors and cooperate with random energy spot-checks.

They are also directed to submit an inventory of existing energy consuming equipment, and timelines for upgrading to more energy efficient equivalents.

Marcos said these offices should also ensure compliance with the Department of Energy guidelines on Energy Conserving Design of Buildings, as well as the Philippine Green Building Code for new building construction and building retrofits.

The AO stated that within 30 days from its effectivity, the DOE shall formulate and issue the necessary rules and/or guidelines for the effective implementation of the said order. —KG, GMA Integrated News