Make smart energy use your New Year’s resolution: Cusi

FILE: Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi. (Photo: Department of Energy Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA — Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso Cusi has suggested a New Year’s resolution for the public — to adopt an energy-efficient lifestyle.

“I’d like to emphasize the concept of smart energy utilization, so consumers can save on energy costs based on strategies already laid down by the government,” Cusi said.

He said the use of fuel-efficient vehicles and smart household appliances, and adoption of energy conservation practices, such as unplugging appliances when not in use, would generate savings.

One strategy being pushed by the DOE is the use by consumers of the Minimum Energy Performance Standard in the purchase and use of energy-efficient appliances.

Cusi said the Yellow/Energy Labels on common household appliances state the energy efficiency ratings and should be used by consumers as a guide in purchasing these items.

The energy chief also reminded consumers that unplugging appliances when not in use, cleaning light bulbs, air-conditioners, and refrigerators significantly cut down on wasted electricity.

Planning trips and properly maintaining vehicles will also save consumers money while prolonging the service life of their cars, added Cusi.

In addition to choosing the most energy-efficient vehicles, the DOE suggests refueling wisely by using quality and clean fuels, not filling fuel tank up to the brim, and tightening the gas cap to avoid spillage.

He also advised motorists to avoid overloading, accelerate with care, anticipate stops, minimize idling of vehicles, shift gears sensibly, and pick a lane and stay on it.

More tips from the DOE: Car windows should always be kept closed when the air-conditioner is on and car stereo volume should be kept at a minimum while avoiding the use of additional sound system components and other unused car accessories.

Tires should be checked regularly along with the oil and oil filters to ensure that the vehicle runs smoothly.
DOE data show that a liter of diesel saved reduces the emission of about 2.7 kg. of carbon dioxide, while a liter of gasoline saved is equivalent to 2.3 kg. of carbon dioxide avoided.

Meanwhile, the DOE issued a directive through the Oil Industry Management Bureau (OIMB) to all oil companies to effectively monitor and implement the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law.

Energy Undersecretary Donato Marcos, head of the OIMB, released a list of guidelines, such as the submission of a duly notarized inventory report of a company’s fuel stocks, per depot and per product, as of Dec. 31, 2017.

The OIMB also mandates that the implementation of the excise tax under TRAIN shall not be applied unless the Dec. 31, 2017 stocks of finished products are fully exhausted.

The minimum 15-day inventory requirement shall be enforced in accordance with Department Circular ‎2011-03-0002, the OIMB said.

The oil firms are required to submit a daily summary of withdrawal starting Jan. 1, 2018 until the depletion of the declared inventory as of Dec. 31, 2017, supported by the Official Registry Book.

“We remind the consumers and the oil industry participants that violators face sanctions under the law,” Cusi said.

The DOE calls on the public to be vigilant and to report any violation to info@doe.gov.ph or to the Consumer Welfare and Promotion Office at telephone number ‎‎479-2900 loc. 329.