BACOLOD CITY – The city government officially launched its solar power system on Wednesday, Dec. 18.
BACOLOD City officials led by Mayor Albee Benitez (center) launch the solar power system at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) with Frederic Tesfay (third from right), project head of the GIZ Urban Act Project on Wednesday, Dec. 18. (Glazyl Masculino)
Mayor Albee Benitez led the ceremonial switch-on with Frederic Tesfay from the GIZ (German Government’s organization for technical cooperation), which provides support to countries transitioning to sustainable energy, at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC), home to key government offices and has the largest installation at 400 kilowatts.
Benitez said that the system provides energy to 19 buildings and several barangays.
“We aim to conserve energy and promote renewable energy,” he said, adding that the system will save the city up to 50 percent in electricity bills, equivalent to P1 million to P1.5 million per month from about P2 million to P3 million monthly.
Benitez acknowledged GIZ’s role in offering broader expertise and guidance for the project.
Tesfay, project head of the GIZ Urban Act Project, emphasized the importance of energy independence. “It’s not just about electricity; it’s about empowering Bacolod to focus on essential goals like housing, jobs, food security, and digital transformation,” Tesfay said.
He said that energy independence opens up new opportunities, improves resilience, and supports long-term growth. “This is about more than reducing costs; it’s about building a thriving, resilient community for generations,” Tesfay added.
He praised Bacolod for being a pioneer in embracing innovation while other cities hesitate. “The energy transition is not just about technology; it’s about creating a new growth paradigm,” Tesfay said.
Solar power systems with a total of 1,340 kilowatts have been installed at the BCGC and 16 barangays.