STATEMENT OF SENATOR WIN GATCHALIAN ON THE SIGNING OF THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY ACT

Finally, we have now taken a major leap forward in realizing efficient ways of utilizing energy in the country that are attuned to acceptable international standards. We are grateful to President Rodrigo Duterte for making this possible when he signed Republic Act No. 11285 or the Energy Efficiency Act.

The signing of this landmark law is very timely, especially now that our growing economy needs more power supply in the next few years. With this law, the additional power supply will not come in the form of new power plants, but in savings from energy efficiency and conservation.

The Energy Efficiency Act is also a win not only for the government, but also for ordinary consumers who stand to have more money in their pockets through energy efficiency and conservation measures. A 10% increase in energy efficiency will give an average Meralco household a P140 reduction in their monthly electricity bill, equivalent to an additional 5 kilograms of rice every month.