The energy transition conversation is more relevant than ever as the Philippines braces itself against severe weather conditions and resulting power outages. But while the conversation around energy transition often centers on changing policies and decisions made inside boardrooms, are there opportunities to explore tools and resources we already have, and what role can ordinary Filipinos play in this critical shift?
During the second episode of the “Powering up: Weathering calamities in the energy transition” roundtable discussion presented by AboitizPower and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, they discussed how consumers must stay informed so that they can help support the right plans amidst the energy transition.
The discussion was led by European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Energy Committee chairperson Ruth Yu-Owen. She was joined by fellow experts in the local energy sector: Atty. Monalisa Dimalanta, chairperson and CEO of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC); and Professor Rowaldo “Wali” Del Mundo, associate dean of the College of Engineering at the University of the Philippines – Diliman.
Atty. Monalisa started the conversation by reiterating from their first discussion that the “challenge and beauty” of an energy transition for the Philippines lies in how many boxes we can tick with the resources we already have in hand.
“[Energy transition] makes economic sense for us because we are importing currently most of the fuel that we use for power generation. We import almost 90 percent or more than 90 percent of the coal that we use. We import natural gas now, considering the depletion of Malampaya,” she said.
“So by increasing our use of free solar, water, free wind, then we can augment the energy transition. Because we have these resources in abundance in our country, especially solar, hydro, and geothermal, it will also be more sustainable for us.”
From an economic standpoint, Prof. Wali echoed that while these are probable alternatives, the pricing must still make sense if we focus on how to lower the cost for smaller systems.
“Since economics ang pinag-uusapan natin, ang pinakang dapat na pagtuunan ng
mga gawain natin mula pulisiya hanggang sa private sector development ay paano pamurahin yung maliit,” he said.
“Ang focus ng development ay nandun sa 69 kilovolts and below. Sila yung dapat na gini-grid, sila yung dapat na mini-mess o nilloop para makapag-integrate nung… maliliit na power plant. At doon tayo kukuha ng economics dahil ina-avoid mo yung mahal na high voltage system.”
[“Since we’re talking about economics, our efforts, from policy to private sector development, should focus on how to reduce the costs for smaller systems.”
“The focus of development should be on the 69-kilovolt systems and below. Those are the ones that should be integrated into the grid, the ones that should be looped in to integrate smaller power plants. That’s where we can achieve better economics, as we avoid the expensive high-voltage systems.”]
He also highlighted that, as an archipelagic country, insisting on interconnecting all the Philippine islands using a lot of underwater high-voltage transmission lines would lead to significantly higher electricity costs. This presents a challenge but also an opportunity to emphasize resiliency at the lower grid levels.
Smart appliances, smarter consumers
While these challenges may seem daunting, the panelists emphasized that consumers still have a role to play in controlling their energy. From simple actions like reducing consumption during peak hours to advocating for renewable energy options in local communities, consumers can ease the burden on the national grid and support the shift towards more sustainable energy sources.
“Ano yung behavioral change? Di ba yung mga pag meron tayong mga TV na binibili ngayon, refrigerator, inverter type. Paano ako, I’m a consumer of Meralco, paano ako magiging bahagi ng energy transition?” Ruth queried.
[What are the things we can change in our behavior? When we buy things like TVs and refrigerators these days, they’re inverter types, right? As a Meralco consumer, how can I be part of the energy transition?”]
Looking beyond Smart appliances, Atty. Monalisa delved deeper into what it means to be a smart consumer.
“The equipment is smart, but you also have to be smart in using it,” she said. “Like with your refrigerator, even if it’s an inverter model if people at home keep opening and closing it, you still won’t realize any savings.”
As a rule of thumb, appliances that can heat (microwaves, ovens) and cool (refrigerators, air conditioners) have the highest energy consumption activity, so it’s best to consider their usage and unplug them when not in use.
Atty. Monalisa also encouraged homeowners to consider government programs like Pag-IBIG’s Home Rehabilitation/Reconstruction Loan to install energy alternatives like a solar home system that could lessen their electricity bill.
“Yung behavioral changes na yan, konti lang siya. Pero yung awareness lang ang pwede nating part na tayo sa solusyon,” Prof. Wali added.
[“Those behavioral changes may be small, but simply raising awareness is how we can be part of the solution.]
As the Philippines continues to navigate the complexities of an energy transition, it is crucial that everyone – government, industry, and consumer – work together. In the end, the question is not just how we will transition to a more resilient energy system, but how to best play our part in making that transition possible.
Watch the “Powering up: Weathering calamities in the energy transition” roundtable episode 2 here:
*This roundtable discussion was recorded on August 20, 2024.
– Rappler.com
