Tuesday, August 09, 2005

Energy Conservation Pushed

In view of the never-ending increase in the cost of fuel, the government is strongly advocating for the adoption of energy conservation measures.
According to Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye, the increasing cost of gasoline and petroleum products is a result of the increasing price of these products in the world market which not only affects the Philippines, but all countries who use these products.
Bunye said the only beneficiaries of the never-ending increase in the price of oil are only the oil producers. However, for oil importing countries, like the Philippines, we are subject to market forces. To cushion the impact of the high cost of fuel products, there is a need to seriously embark on an energy conservation campaign so that we could reduce our fuel consumption.
Although savings for individual households may not be much if we all pool our efforts, we can save a lot on fuel products, and eventually, our country can save as well, according to Bunye.
On the part of government, Bunye revealed that conservation is being implemented in terms of the use of electricity and other ways be which we could save fuel. Likewise, agencies are now urged to plan trips and regular checking of vehicles so that it would not consume too much fuel.
Last year alone, the country saved 1.2 billion pesos from best energy efficiencies in households, government and industry. Twenty government agencies are currently using coco diesel for fuel. The use of coco diesel is expected to be fully implemented across the transport sector together with CNG in August. The government also hopes to have Ethanol rolling out within a year and a half. With the use of the alternative energy sources, a potential savings of 177 million is expected in a year by government.
It will be recalled, last summer the Government implemented the four day week to save on fuel, and likewise to enable employees to save on fare as well as have more time with families. The government saved P144 million from the implementation of 4-day workweek. Likewise, the Napocor is expected to reduce fuel utilization to the extent of P5.9 billion as a result of systematic improvements in power generation and delivery. /MP http://madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

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