City gov’t implements energy-saving measures amid power crisis

By John Noel E. Herrera 

The Iloilo City Government will implement different energy-saving measures in the city after the entire Western Visayas was hit by a series of power outages last week.

On Wednesday, May 3, 2023, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas issued Executive Order No. 049, which implements energy-saving measures in the city and “provides guidelines for energy conservation in light of the current power interruptions and for other related purposes.

The EO cited that while efforts “have been made to expand energy production to keep up with demand, we are still experiencing energy consumption problems resulting in power outages and unscheduled power interruptions.”

Section 2 of the EO stated that in order to effectively practice energy conservation, saving measures and system improvement, different guidelines should be followed, which include rules on the use of office facilities; use of air-conditioning systems; schedule of operation of office facilities; schedule of public lights and prohibiting the use of appliances inside offices.

For office facilities, the unnecessary use of equipment and devices, such as, but not limited to computers, printers, shredders, scanners, photocopiers, air-conditioners, electric fans, office lights, and government vehicles are strictly prohibited and shall be unplugged at all times when not in use.

The use of air-conditioners shall only be allowed from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at 24 degrees Celsius, while street lights on all public thoroughfares in the city shall be turned on at 6:00 p.m. and shall be turned off at 4:00 a.m. the following day.

“Lights in public plazas and parks, including lights on all esplanades shall be turned off at exactly 11:00 p.m., provided that minimal lighting be maintained for the purpose of safety and security,” it added.

When celebrating barangay fiestas, the officials are urged to adopt energy-saving practices, like limiting the use of sound systems during the hours of operation and limiting the use of disco lights.

The EO also stressed that the use of high volumes of water “is highly discouraged” and water concessionaires and water utilities are “directed to check and conduct emergency repair of leaks.”

Treñas, on his Facebook page, said that he had already instructed the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) to study the use of ‘gray water’ to water the plants in the plazas, esplanades, and bike lanes, not just as part of the conservation measures, but of the city government’s preparation for El Niño.

Meanwhile, the provision of the EO will be applied to all offices and departments of the city government, all barangays and their facilities, and local police offices that are dependent on the city government for their electricity, while other public and private establishments operating in the city are also encouraged to adopt the measures.