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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Bernos bill to make solar energy systems a requirement in government offices

Bernos bill to make solar energy systems a requirement in government offices

Published Sep 19, 2025 02:01 pm

At A Glance

  • Convinced that the government must lead the way in the shift toward the use of renewable energy (RE), Abra lone district Rep. JB Bernos stressed has filed a bill that seeks to institutionalize the integration of on-grid solar energy systems in government offices.
(Unsplash)
(Unsplash)


Convinced that the government must lead the way in the shift toward the use of renewable energy (RE), Abra lone district Rep. JB Bernos stressed has filed a bill that seeks to institutionalize the integration of on-grid solar energy systems in government offices.
Bernos, author of House Bill (HB) No. 3126 or the proposed On-Grid Solar Energy Systems Act, says his measure aims to reduce electricity costs and ensure a sustainable and environmentally sound manner of delivering services to the people.
“If we are to succeed in the shift towards renewable energy, government itself should show that RE is a viable and reliable option," said Bernos.
According to him, on-grid solar energy systems are "practical and have an immediate impact not only on electricity cost but also on public sector carbon emissions".
If passed into law, the bill would mandate the establishment of on-grid solar energy systems in all national and local government-owned buildings and offices.
Government agencies shall also ensure that 20 percent of their average monthly utilization (AMU) would be covered by the on-grid solar energy systems within one year of installation.
The AMU by such systems would then increase to 40 percent within the second year, 60 percent on the third year, 80 percent on the fourth year, and 100 percent on the fifth year.
Bernos said that on-grid solar systems are an affordable and feasible RE source as there has been a marked decrease in the cost of solar panel technology in recent years.
The Ilocano added that with a typical lifespan of 25 to 30 years, solar panels are a long-term investment that has both environmental and economic benefits.
The solon also encouraged private households that can afford solar technology to consider availing of it.
“May benepisyo din po sa ating komunidad ang pag-transition sa solar energy (The transition to solar energy will also benefit our community). Since we rely less on the grid, there will be more resources for our neighbors and community to use," Bernos said.
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