The Effectiveness of Cebu’s Current Energy Policies in Promoting Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency

By: Pete Adrian C. Manguilimotan

    The Philippines, being one of the developing countries, is challenged with energy related concerns today. The country's electricity demand is increasing, resulting in energy shortages and price rises. One of the provinces of this country, Cebu, has made a remarkable effort for years in encouraging for low-carbon efficiency and renewable energy. The province administration has adopted a number of policies and programs to promote the use of renewable energies while reducing energy consumption.

Cebu’s Renewable Energy Policy

Cebu's current energy policy emphasize renewable energy and energy efficiency. The province's sector that is responsible for promoting renewable energy development is the Renewable Energy Development Council (REDC). The sector has recognized various renewable sources that have the potential to give sufficient supply of energy for the province such as solar, wind, hydro and biomass [1]. Cebu has established regulations to improve energy efficiency in addition to renewable energy. One of the province's programs, EEC, is implemented with a goal of reducing the use of energy for the infrastructures and   transportation. This program includes energy-efficient lighting systems' installation, the use of energy efficient appliances, and the promotion of the public transit [2].

Metro Cebu sources 52% of its power from renewable energy, mainly geothermal. However, a high share of power (41.3%) is also sourced from coal – powered facilities [3]. The policy has been successful in promoting renewable energy sources responsible to the increase of renewable energy capacity installation in Cebu. This expansion in renewable energy capacity has contributed to lower greenhouse gas emissions and improved energy security in the province.

Cebu’s Energy Efficiency Policy

Cebu has also implemented an energy efficiency strategy with the goal of lowering energy usage and promoting energy-efficient practices. The program compels public buildings and institutions to employ energy-saving measures such as using energy-saving equipment and installing efficient lighting systems.

Through this program, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Office was established. This is in charge of further developing and implementing measures of energy-saving across the country [4]. The provincial government also partnered with the Department of Energy to implement the Energy Smart Cebu Program to provide technical assistance and capacity building for local government units and private sector to adopt energy – efficient technologies and practices [5].

The approach has reduced energy use in public buildings and infrastructure. According to the Cebu Provincial Government, following the policy's adoption in 2017, energy consumption in public buildings has lowered by 10%. The strategy has also resulted in financial savings, with energy-efficient measures lowering electricity bills [6].

Conclusion

            Energy regulations of Cebu have positive impacts on the utilization of renewable energy and energy efficiency. With the initiative of the government to implement policies such as the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program and the Energy Smart Cebu Program have resulted to significant energy savings. However, further support is needed to overcome the province’s hurdles and capitalize on opportunities to boost renewable energy and energy efficiency to ensure that Cebu will have a sustainable energy in the future.  

References

[1] Provincial Government of Cebu, "Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program," Gov.ph, 2016. [Online]. Available: https://www.cebu.gov.ph/project/energy-efficiency-and-conservation-program/. [Accessed 15 February 2023].


[2] Provincial Government of Cebu, "Cebu Provincial Renewable Energy Development Council," Gov.ph, 2017. [Online]. Available: https://www.cebu.gov.ph/cebu-provincial-renewable-energy-development-council/. [Accessed 15 February 2023].


[3] "Green Growth in Cebu, Philippines," Oecd-ilibrary.org, 2017. [Online]. Available: https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/urban-rural-and-regional-development/green-growth-in-cebu-philippines_9789264277991-en. [Accessed 15 February 2023].


[4] Cebu Provincial Government, "Cebu's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Policy," Gov.ph, 2019. [Online]. Available: https://cebu.gov.ph/cebus-energy-efficiency-and-conservation-policy/. [Accessed 15 February 2023].


[5] "ECCP brings Energy Smart Cebu," Inquirer.net, 26 September 2015. [Online]. Available: https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/69284/eccp-brings-energy-smart-cebu. [Accessed 15 February 2023].


[6] Cebu Provincial Government, "Cebu's Energy Profile," Gov.ph, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://cebu.gov.ph/about-cebu/cebus-energy-profile/. [Accessed 15 February 2023].


[7] P. A. Mayol, "Cebu’s strategic need for power sources: Possibilities, and Challenges to Energy Independence," 2 September 2019. [Online]. Available: https://cebufinest.com/cebu-strategic-need-for-power-sources-possibilities-and-challenges-to-energy-independence/. [Accessed 20 February 2023].

 

 

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