E-DISKARTE MO VEHICLES: Energy Sec. Alfonso G. Cusi, together with the Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koji Haneda, test-drives one of the four plug-in hybrid electric vehicles donated by the Japanese government.

The opening of DOE’s National Energy Consciousness Month (NECM) this Monday (4 December) kicked off with the unveiling of the four electric vehicles, four hybrid plug-in electric vehicles and a charging station inside the DOE Compound at its Motorpool.

The observance of NECM held in the month of December every year highlights the importance of energy in the daily lives of Filipinos and in the country's economic development.

(Taguig City). “The future of energy-efficient and environment-friendly motoring is right here, right now.” This was the atmosphere during the kick-off of the 2017 National Energy Consciousness Month (NECM) as Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi on Monday (4 December) unveiled an electric vehicle charging station, four electric vehicles and four hybrid plug-in electric vehicles at the Department of Energy (DOE) headquarters in Taguig City.

Sec. Cusi and the Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines, Koji Haneda, test-drove a hybrid plug-in electric vehicle and presented to the public the electric vehicle charging station during the opening ceremony of the NECM 2017.

The DOE Chief said that the Japanese government donated the hybrid vehicles and electric cars to promote the use of efficient and environment-friendly transportation alternatives.

The charging station can charge two vehicles at a time. It can do fast charging for 30 minutes and normal charging from two to four hours. Charging can also be done at home using a special plug supplied by the vehicle's manufacturers.

The NECM 2017 was opened by its Chair, DOE Usec. Raul B. Aguilos, who said:  “We themed the NECM2017 with the powerful message of inclusivity, bringing in the issues and concerns of our consumers while also providing them with options.”

“We should not limit ourselves to a month of energy consciousness. Our goal is to increase our people’s awareness about energy, and have them adopt a lifestyle change towards better energy choices every day,” he added.

In his keynote address, Secretary Cusi said, the DOE has been aggressive in formulating essential energy plans and implementing necessary programs to achieve the DOE’s nine-point agenda.

Sec. Cusi mentioned the DOE’s hosting of two international events: The Asia Cooperation Dialogue and 35th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting and its Associated meetings, which became venues for gathering inputs locally and internationally to finalize the Energy Resiliency Policy.

Sec. Cusi also underscored the benefits of Executive Order No. 30 in expediting the processing of energy projects of national significance, including the Philippine Conventional Energy Program (PCEP) which promotes the development of coal and petroleum resources.

The DOE has been working towards the implementation of the Philippine Downstream Natural Gas Regulation, which will provide standardized guidelines on the natural gas industry.

"The DOE amended the Retail Rules for the downstream of the oil industry and issued the Code of Safety Practices for LPG Refilling Plants that will safeguard the interest of the public against the unscrupulous trading of petroleum products while providing regulations on emerging and expanding technologies in the retailing of liquid fuels," Cusi also emphasized.

Cusi further informed, "The DOE has also improved the standards for biodiesel blends for both automotive and industrial diesel oil, incorporating the Euro IV-Philippine grade which lowers sulfur content for cleaner emissions."

"As of November 2017, biofuels registered capacity already reached 857.02 million liters, derived from the 10 bioethanol and 11 biodiesel producers," he added.

The DOE Chief said that even with nearly 5,000 megawatts of installed renewable energy (RE) capacities, the DOE is continuously processing RE Service Contracts to push for cleaner and sustainable energy.

"There are a total of 193 applications RE Service Contracts as of November 2017."

"Further strengthening these efforts are DOE’s initiatives to issue policies towards renewable portfolio standards and green energy option, with both undergoing public consultations through the National Renewable Energy Board."

“These policies will not only boost RE utilization, but these will also be catalysts for sustainable development,” Cusi concluded.