BACOLOD City — Consumer advocacy groups in Negros Occidental are urging the government and the public to adopt stronger energy conservation measures amid concerns over the economic impact of rising global oil prices linked to tensions in the Middle East.
The call was made by the Alliance of Concerned Consumers in Electricity and Social Services (ACCESS), which has joined forces with Power Watch Negros Advocates (PWNA) and the Alliance of Consumers in Northern Negros (ACNN) to promote energy efficiency and conservation among households, businesses, and institutions.
Wennie Sancho, president of ACCESS, said geopolitical tensions in the Middle East could have significant economic repercussions for the Philippines, particularly through higher fuel prices and an increased cost of living.
Sancho warned that escalating oil prices could place additional pressure on consumers as transportation and electricity costs rise, while a weakening peso may further increase the price of imported goods.
He also raised concerns that remittances from overseas Filipino workers in the Middle East—an important source of income for many families—could decline if the situation worsens.
In response, the consumer groups are pushing for the implementation of the “Tipid Enerhiya” campaign, which aims to promote energy efficiency and reduce electricity consumption nationwide.
Under the initiative, ACCESS and its partner organizations plan to launch public awareness campaigns through social media and community activities to encourage simple energy-saving practices such as switching to LED lighting, turning off appliances when not in use, and investing in energy-efficient devices.
The groups are also advocating energy audits for homes and businesses to identify inefficiencies and recommend ways to reduce electricity consumption.
ACCESS said it intends to collaborate with power distribution utilities such as Negros Electric and Power Corporation (Negros Power), Negros Occidental Electric Cooperative (NOCECO), and Northern Negros Electric Cooperative (NONECO), as well as local government units, schools, and business organizations to strengthen consumer education and integrate energy conservation practices into daily routines.
The campaign will target households, businesses, schools, and government offices as part of a broader effort to reduce energy demand and cushion the impact of rising energy costs.
Sancho emphasized that even small changes in electricity use could make a significant difference if practiced collectively.
He said that if Filipino households reduce their energy consumption by at least 10 percent, it could help lower electricity bills, ease pressure on the power grid, and contribute to the country’s economic resilience amid global uncertainties.
“Energy conservation is a collective responsibility,” Sancho said, urging consumers to take part in the initiative to help the country navigate the challenges posed by rising fuel prices./PN
