DOE to draft IRR for EE&C bill

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Energy (DOE) is preparing to lay down rules once the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act, which is seen to unlock a capacity of 45,900 megawatts until 2040 through energy efficiency adoption and investments, is signed by the President.

DOE Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella said Congress has already transmitted the reconciled EE&C bill to Malacañang.

“The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act is currently being readied for the signature of the President and we take a proactive stance as we also gear to prepare its implementing rules and regulations (IRR),” he said.

The measure will soon be signed and enacted after the bill’s 28-year history in Congress, Philippine Energy Efficiency Alliance (PE2) president Alexander Ablaza said.

The DOE official said the law would be a game changer as energy efficiency plays a key role in building a country, as it would result in a lower energy demand and increased energy security which would translate to improved productivity and energy savings for consumers.