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CEBU CITY — The Department of Energy (DoE) is seeking the mandate to develop efficiency standards for household appliances, as well as to enforce and monitor compliance, as part of the government’s power conservation efforts.
Energy Undersecretary Loreta G. Ayson said in an interview at the sidelines yesterday of an energy efficiency forum here that she was hopeful that an executive order giving the DoE such mandate, which is currently held by the Trade department’s Bureau of Product Standards (BPS), would be issued within this year.
While such a mandate is included in the energy efficiency bill that the Energy department is pushing for approval within this 15th Congress, Ms. Ayson acknowledged that it takes time to approve a legislative measure.
“We need an executive order. Hopefully, [it will be issued] within this year,” she said.
Ms. Ayson said discussions are under way between the Energy and Trade departments on the prospective standards.
At present, it is BPS that is mandated to develop, implement and coordinate standardization activities in the country.
Raquel S. Huliganga, director of the Energy Research and Testing Laboratory Services, said the DoE currently handles testing, certification and labeling of lighting systems and household appliances for energy efficiency, while the BPS tests the products for safety and quality.
Monitoring compliance with standards is currently BPS’ responsibility, she noted.
“We are hoping for DoE to handle energy labeling as well as monitoring compliance with the standards,” Ms. Huliganga said.
Products covered by the DoE’s energy labeling program include compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), ballasts, refrigerators (up to eight feet) and air-conditioners (both window-type and split-type).
The program is being expanded to include refrigerators measuring up to 12 ft., television sets and washing machines, Ms. Huliganga added.
Energy efficiency standards will also be drawn up for LED (light-emitting diode) lamps early next year, Ms. Ayson said.
She acknowledged that the higher the energy efficiency rating, the more expensive a product is likely to be.
“Unfortunately, most consumers still prefer the lower priced products,” Ms. Ayson said.
“The cheap ones are likely to be less efficient. Sometimes, they’re dangerous,” she added.
Hence, Ms. Ayson said, the department will soon launch a “Do Right, Be Right” campaign to raise consumer awareness on the merits of energy efficiency.
As part of the $46.5-million Philippine Energy Efficiency Project, Ms. Huliganga said the department hoped to establish next year a lamp waste management facility to complement the distribution of CFLs. The project also involves the retrofitting of 40 government office buildings with efficient lighting, distribution of 13 million CFLs, introduction of energy-efficient lamps for public lighting, establishment of a super energy service company and establishment of a testing lab. — Marites S. Villamor
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Source: Business World, July 27, 2011
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