#NIC2018 Boosting E-POWER MO: Speaking on behalf of Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi, DOE Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella presented the DOE programs and policies during the 1st National Information Convention (NIC) on Feb. 19 in Davao City. Plenary Session 1 was aimed to make the public understand government programs and policies.

Around 1,800 information officers and participants attended the NIC 2018. The DOE joined the Presidential Communications Operations Office in co-presenting the convention, together with the Social Security System.

(Davao City). The Department of Energy (DOE) joins hands with the Presidential Communication Operations Office (PCOO) in ensuring responsible communication to boost “E-Power Mo” at the National Information Convention (NIC) on 19-21 February at the SMX Convention Center in SM Lanang, Davao City.

In the speech delivered by DOE Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella, Energy Secretary Alfonso G.  Cusi emphasized that "an informed energy consumer is an empowered one.”

According to Usec. Fuentebella, the DOE took the opportunity through the NIC to inform the public on the "E-Power Mo" concept for the country’s quest to globally compete.

“The power of information can help consumers cut unnecessary costs while industry players are bound to compete more effectively," the DOE official said.

Using the metaphor of a basketball game, Usec. Fuentebella outlined how energy users can play competitively following the implementation of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law, the energy policies for an increased consumers’ power of choice, diversity in energy resources, energy resiliency, energy efficiency and conservation, and energy smart consumers.

On addressing the impact of the TRAIN Law, the DOE initiated pro-active measures including advisories and timely monitoring that saved the public around P2.64 billion for liquid petroleum fuels (i.e., gasoline, diesel, kerosene) and P58.4 million for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

For increased consumer power of choice, the DOE together with the Energy Regulatory Commission will push for the full implementation of Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA). With RCOA in place, “Contestable Customers” or huge electricity users with at least one megawatt (1 MW) demand are now able to choose their power suppliers to reduce their costs.

Toward providing more choices, the RCOA implementation aims to include consumers with 0.75 MW demand (likened to a nine-storey building) then consumers of 0.5 MW, until reaching 0.10 MW (at least a 2-storey building).

Another choice is the "Green Energy Option" which gives consumers the power to choose a sustainable and more environmental-friendly energy for their utilization.

Moreover, the DOE presented its program in diversifying the country’s energy resources, highlighting its activities for the realization of a Liquefied Natural Gas terminal and the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear energy.

For energy resiliency, the DOE issued policy guidelines to ensure the energy sector's preparedness, quick response and rehabilitation mechanisms to address adverse impact of natural and human-induced disasters.

Lastly, Usec. Fuentebella shared the programs for energy efficiency and conservation including practical energy tips.

Around 1,800 information officers and participants from around the country attended the NIC.

The DOE co-presented the convention, together with the Philippine Social Security System.

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