• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Negros Occidental provincial government has started to reduce its reliance on traditional energy sources by resorting to the use of renewable energy in its key facilities.
Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz II yesterday said the solar installation project of the provincial government, which started at the Capitol building, is set to be completed within this month.
The utilization of solar energy, according to the Department of Energy, is part of the compliance with the Government Energy Management Program, which encourages all government entities to reduce their electricity consumption by at least 10 percent.
Aside from the Capitol building, Diaz said solar panels will be installed at Cyber Center, Food Terminal Market, Negros Residences, and provincial government managed hospitals.
Because of the Public-Private Partnership with We-Gen Energy Philippines, he said the solarization project is free of cost to the provincial government.
The provincial government signed a contract with WeGen Energy Philippines Inc. to install photovoltaic (PV) systems in seven government facilities, with a total generating capacity of 1,270.5 kilowatts.
The installations are expected to supply at least 40 percent of the provincial government’s electricity needs and generate estimated savings of P9.637 million annually, or P404.537 million over 25 years.
Diaz said the provincial government will purchase solar power from the contractor at P6.90 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for 15 years.
The solar panel installation, according to Diaz, is expected to reduce the province’s reliance on traditional energy sources and lower electricity costs.
By switching to solar power, the province aims to achieve significant energy savings and promote sustainability, he further said.
Overall, the solar panel installation project is a step towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient future for Negros Occidental, Diaz said.
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson earlier called on all local government units (LGUs) in the province to adopt solar energy within the next three years.*
