• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The savings derived by the Negros Occidental provincial government from the use of solar energy, that resulted in the reduction of its power requirements, may soon be invested in providing electricity to isolated communities that are without access to power.
Provincial Consultant on Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Rafael Coscolluela disclosed on Wednesday that the provincial government saved as much as 50 percent of its power consumption in the shift from traditional energy sources to renewable energy.
The provincial government partnered with renewable energy solutions firm WeGen Energy Philippines Inc. for the installation of a total solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity of 1,270.5 kilowatt peak (kWp) in six government structures.
The installation of the PV systems, which supplies at least 40 percent of power requirements, will result in an estimated savings of P9.637 million annually, according to the provincial government. The systems are now fully operational at the Provincial Capitol Building, Food Terminal Market, and the Negros Residences.
Coscolluela, a former governor of Negros Occidental, said they are proposing that the savings will be used in promoting solar system projects in local communities without access to power.
Joshua Villalobos, head of the Negrosanon Initiatives for Climate and Environment (NICE), who partnered with the provincial government in promoting renewable energy sources, said there is much to be done in the energization of rural communities in the province, such as island of Matabas, located off the coast of Sagay City, which has a population of more than 700 people.
In a consultation with the power distribution utility, Villalobos said he was told that the Matabas island is not part of their energization, for at least 10 years.
The solar power project of the Negros Occidental provincial govenrment adheres to the directive of the Inter-Agency Energy Efficiency and Conservation Committee, led by the Department of Energy through Resolution No. 8, series of 2023, for all government entities to source at least 20 percent of their energy requirements from renewable sources.
On May 7, the provincial government will mark its third edition of the Renewable Energy Week Expo 2026, in tandem with the Department of Energy, NICE and Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation.
The Renewable Energy Week Expo 2026 is designed to convene local government units, national government agencies, private sector solution providers, financial institutions, civil society organizations, academic institutions and communities to advance the clean energy transition in Negros Occidental, which is known as among the hubs of renewable energy resources in the country.
The Expo, according to the provincial government, will help translate policy ambitions into action – ensuring that the province’s energy future is secure, affordable, inclusive and sustainable. It will be held at the SMX Convention Center in Bacolod City.*
