PE2 highlights demand-side strategies for a more resilient grid at PERPI Summit
TAGUIG CITY, 30 July 2026—Philippine Energy Efficiency Alliance (PE2) president Alexander Ablaza was invited by the Philippine Energy Research and Policy Institute (PERPI) to deliver his talk, “Flattening the Grid Peak Demand Curve through Demand-Side Interventions” during the first session of the PERPI Energy Summit 2026 held earlier today at UP Bonifacio Global City. The annual PERPI event carried the theme, “From Resources to Resilience: Building a Stable Grid and Responsible Mineral Future.”
Ablaza underscored the need to shave off peak power demand through the demand-side acceleration and aggregation of energy efficiency measures, especially through efficiency improvements in cooling and refrigeration systems. He said, “PE2 estimates that efficient cooling retrofits covering at least 6 million refrigeration tons of cooling capacity across the country are capable of permanently clipping 1,500 megawatts from grid power peak demand during peak hours and peak months.” He likewise offered six policy recommendations to effectively scale up energy efficiency deployment in the demand-side of the energy market.
The PE2 head later joined a panel discussion, “Grid Stability as the Backbone of Energy Transition” moderated by UP Vice President for Development Prof. Rowaldo del Mundo. Other panelists included House Special Committee on Nuclear Energy Chairman Mark O. Cojuangco, Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Executive Director Atty. Nancy Aurora Fajardo, Cristian Dave Bermudo of HyperStrong International, and Jomel R. Cristobal of the National Transmission Corporation
PE2 Member representative, Milagrosa Russelle “Miles” Ballestar of iONTEK Power Solutions also served as moderator for Session 2, “The Role of Critical Minerals in the Energy Transition.” Joining her panel were Dr. Karlo L. Queaño of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Dr. Joey D. Ocon of De La Salle University, and Dr. Graciano P. Yumul, Jr. of Cordillera Exploration Corporation.
The Summit brought together leaders from government, industry, academe, and the research community for meaningful discussions on two critical pillars of the Philippines’ energy transition: building a resilient and stable power grid and advancing responsible critical mineral development. The event also marked the 5th Anniversary of PERPI following the enactment of Republic Act No. 11572.
The annual summit underscores the importance of collaboration, innovation, and strategic planning in advancing a secure, resilient, and sustainable energy future for the Philippines.
