ILOILO CITY – The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is helping this city craft its local energy plan.
The Energy Secure Philippines (ESP), a USAID program, selected this city as one of the pilot areas in the country for climate change strategies that align with the goals of the Philippine Energy Research and Policy Institute.
The ESP, which is implemented by non-profit RTI International, has started working with the city government and MORE Electric and Power Corp. (MORE Power), the sole electric distributor in this city, the regional capital of Western Visayas.
The ESP is providing technical assistance and support in developing steps to harmonize policies and programs that will make energy planning more attuned to the impact of climate change.
There is no institution that monitors energy consumption and conservation here mandated under the Republic Act No. 11285 or the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act at present.
Retired environmental chief Noel Hechanova, a consultant of Mayor Jerry Treñas here, said that the city government tried creating the plan in 2004 but it was never completed.
In past administrations, the city government of Iloilo tried renewable energy and energy conservation initiatives, including giving discounts for real property taxes. However, only few availed.
MORE Power assured it will work together with RTI International and the city government in crafting the local energy plan.