The Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association (PHILRECA) and the Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) are rallying the energy consuming public to be more responsible in using electricity, as dry months persist and temperatures continue to increase.
The joint statement comes in the heels of House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, principal author of Republic Act 11285 or the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act, prompting the Department of Energy to “create a national energy efficiency and conservation plan or the NEECP,” and to formulate a database aimed to provide information on energy consumption and application of energy-efficient and renewable energy technologies. DoE is set to finalize a circular on incentivizing energy efficiency projects.
“Parallel to the national government and DoE’s thrust towards energy efficiency, we deem it best that we further strengthen our information campaign for our member-consumer-owners, specifically in the residential segment, to be more responsible in their consumption. This will ultimately redound to average, if not lower, monthly bills, despite the rising temperatures,” said PHILRECA President and Party-List Representative Presley C. De Jesus.
Meralco’s historical data shows that households increase their consumption from 10-40% compared to cooler months, depending on the segment they are in. This is mostly driven by the shift in ambient temperature’s impact to appliance performance, as well as additional time these are used.
According to Ferdinand O. Geluz, Meralco FVP and Chief Commercial Officer, community quarantine restrictions also contribute to increased consumption, “This pandemic brought a shift in consumption specifically in households. With online classes still ongoing, and many still on work-from-home arrangements, the knowledge to be able to use electricity more responsibly becomes more important.”
PHILRECA, together with its 121-member electric cooperatives, will beef up its information and education campaign to propagate tried and tested methods to help consumers use electricity wisely and empower them with information to help them avoid bill shocks. Meralco is also stepping up engagement with its customers through its Bright Ideas summer campaign, and encouraging use of the AppCal (appliance calculator) housed in the Meralco Mobile App, to compute how much each appliance consume. Data from these are from its appliance testing facility called Power Lab, which can determine appliance consumption to the peso level.
PHILRECA and Meralco advise customers to follow these steps:
For aircon units:
- Clean air filters regularly, recommended is to do this 2x a month. Clogged filter causes airflow issues, the harder it is the air handler has to work to push the air through a clogged filter, hence more energy will be consumed.
- This simple task can yield savings of P334 per month for a 1hp window-type aircon unit based on PowerLab tests.
- Set thermostat at a comfortable level. Tests show that for a 1hp window-type aircon unit, setting your aircon at mid or 25C versus the coolest or 18C can save up to P991 per month.
- Choose the correct size or horsepower for your aircon depending on the size of the room or space. In this case, bigger is not always better. In fact, it can cost you more.
- Based on Power Lab tests, oversizing or undersizing your aircon hp capacity can add P932 additional to the monthly bill.
- Check if you need to replace your old aircon. As aircons age, factoring in usage and maintenance conditions, efficiency is significantly reduced. Newer technology offers higher efficiencies. A 10-year old aircon can consume 2x to 3x more than the newer ones.
- Based on Power Lab tests, a new 1.0hp window-type conventional aircon can save up to P682 per month versus a 10-year old aircon; and versus a new 1.0hp window-type inverter, savings can be up to P1,108 per month.
For refrigerators:
- Make sure refrigerator doors are properly closed. Try the paper test to see if they seal properly. Air leaks make the compressor work harder, hence more energy consumption.
- This can add around P405 per month for a 7 cu ft two-door refrigerator.
- Do not overload refrigerators. Optimal loading is two-thirds (2/3) full. Ensure air vents are not blocked for optimal cooling. For a 7 cu ft, save P231 per month (optimal vs overload).
For electric fans:
- Regularly clean electric fans. Fan blades and motor housing should be free of dust accumulation. Save up to P5 per month per fan by simply doing this simple task.
- Electric fan speed also matters. Setting it at no. 1 vs no. 3 can save P51 per month per fan
(based on Power Lab tests on a 16” stand fan at 10 hours per day use).
- At Low = P0.46/hour
- Mid = P0.56/hour
- Low = P0.63/hour
For computer and other WFH devices:
- Unplug when not in use. Use a powerstrip to make unplugging easy and quick. These appliances/ gadgets still consume electricity when they are left plugged. This is called Phantom Load or Standby Power.
- For a desktop computer, speaker and wifi router – save P187 per month on standby power costs.
For TV sets:
- Choose the right size that best suits your viewing needs.
- Use energy saving mode and save 27% to 67% or P184 per month for a 50” LED TV. For 32” LED TV, P35 per month worth of savings.
- Consider LED TVs versus old CRT TVs. Save 77% or P189 per month using LED TV to CRT TV (24 inch TV)
Geluz further remarked, “These simple tips, when followed properly and consistently, can pool together a significant amount of savings monthly. We will not cease on sharing relevant information in the hope that our customers understand that they have the power to control their consumption, and consequently, their bills.”
De Jesus also said, “PHILRECA will continue strengthening collaboration, encompassing all industry stakeholders in the industry to bring forward energy efficiency as a way of life for the consuming public.”