Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has called on businesses and residential owners to exercise prudence in using electricity especially during the holiday season as the country experiences a surge in electricity usage.
Gatchalian made the call as the country observes the National Energy Consciousness Month which, he said, should serve as a reminder for the public of the importance of responsible energy practices.
The government has declared the month of December as National Energy Consciousness Month under Proclamation No. 1427, to create public awareness of the need for energy conservation.
“Let National Energy Consciousness Month serve as a reminder for all of us, not only during this month but throughout the year, about the significance of responsible energy practices,” Gatchalian said.
“These practices not only save money but also ensure sustainability and reduce the environmental impact associated with heightened energy consumption,” he stressed.
The senator further said the arrival of the El Niño phenomenon underscores the urgency to conserve energy as the weather aberration is expected to increase the country’s energy requirement.
“Because the El Nino phenomenon brings warmer than usual weather conditions, we can expect electricity consumption to rise substantially due to heightened demand,” he said.
“Thus, there is a need to ensure that the country has an ample supply of energy to meet the country’s electricity requirements,” he pointed out.
Republic Act 11285, known as the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act, primarily authored by Gatchalian, mandates the need for conservation and efficient utilization of energy resources
The law institutionalizes energy efficiency and conservation programs through the formulation, development, and implementation of plans in order to secure sufficiency and stability of energy supply in the country, hereby mitigating the impact of high prices on local markets and protecting the environment.