ILOILO City – Due to the power outages in Western Visayas, the city government is calling on everyone to adopt energy-saving measures.
Mayor Jerry Treñas on Tuesday, May 2, issued Executive Order (EO) No. 049, Series of 2023, or “An executive order implementing energy-saving measures in Iloilo City and providing guidelines for energy conservation in the light of the current power interruptions and for other related purposes.”
The EO will be carried out in the city hall, villages, barangay facilities, schools, and local police offices and stations dependent on the city government for their electricity.
Other public and private establishments operating in the city are likewise enjoined to adopt the guidelines.
The EO came following the power outages experienced in the city and other local government units in Western Visayas amidst the searing heat after the transmission line in Negros tripped off due to high system frequency causing the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) to raise yellow and red alerts.
“While we demand for the NGCP and other energy suppliers and power distribution companies to improve their services, it cannot be gainsaid that one of the ways to deal with the constantly expanding need for energy and the issued it brings is to focus on energy conservation,” read part of the EO.
It added, “Public service must remain at par and effective for the Ilonggos while operating at a high level and the same time, engaging and adopting energy conservation measures and practices.”
In order to effectively practice energy conservation, saving measures and system improvement, the following guidelines shall take effect:
* Unnecessary use of office facilities is prohibited while lights, air-conditioning units, and computer monitors have to be turned off during lunch break, provided they are not considered front-line service offices.
* The use of devices with high electricity consumption, such as electric stoves, irons, and similar devices, is prohibited while charging cellular phones and similar gadgets is highly discouraged in office premises.
* Street lights in all public thoroughfares shall be turned on at 6 p.m. and off at 4 a.m. the next day while those in public plazas and parks will be off at 11 p.m., provided minimal lighting is maintained for safety and security.
* Barangays are also encouraged to adopt energy-saving practices while conducting fiesta celebrations.
* The use of high volumes of water is also highly discouraged as the EO calls for the prudent use of water.
The energy-saving measures take effect immediately until August 30 this year or until such time the supply and transmission of electricity shall improve and stabilize. (With a report from Philippine News Agency)/PN
