Published January 6, 2018, 10:00 PM By Myrna M.
Velasco
It is the color most hated by this
administration, but according to Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, “the yellow
label” will be a major redeeming factor that could help Filipino consumers save
on punishing energy bills.
He was referring to the yellow-based
“energy efficient labeling” that the Department of Energy (DOE) sets on
appliances so it can guide consumers which one would have less energy use when
operated. In turn, that will yield cost savings to consumers.
“The yellow energy labels on common
household appliances state the energy efficiency ratings of the latter and
should be used by consumers as a guide in purchasing said items,” the energy
chief said.
With government-induced tough times
because of higher excise taxes on products and services, Cusi is ardently
appealing to Filipino consumers on self-imposed discipline on energy usage so
they would be able to cut their costs.
The energy chief prescribes purchase
of “energy smart” appliances; because of their higher efficiency rating.
Nevertheless, such may entail higher upfront costs also that penny-pinching
Filipino consumers cannot just easily afford.
And with high energy costs literally
nailing Filipinos on the cross at the implementation of the Tax Reform
Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act of the Duterte Administration, Cusi
asserted that such must also usher in a phase when efficient use of energy
becomes “a way of life” for Filipinos.
Cusi sets emphasis on “the concept
of smart energy utilization so consumers can save on energy costs based on
strategies already laid down by the government.”
He cited that one strategy could be
the “proper use of energy efficient appliances” or those rated on Minimum
Energy Performance Standard.
Cusi also apprised consumers “to
turn off and unplug unused appliances to avoid electricity wastages,” adding
that regular cleaning of light bulbs, refrigerator, television, electric fan
and air-conditioners must also be resorted to in saving power usage.
With not just energy prices going up
under the TRAIN measure but also that of vehicles, Cusi expounded that
consumers must also be “more rational in their choice of vehicles to buy, as
well as in their fuel purchases.”
He stressed that “planning trips and
properly maintaining vehicles will also save consumers money while prolonging
the service life of their rides.”
The department similarly cited data
that burning less fuel on travels could spare the earth of carbon dioxide (CO2)
emissions, to the tune of 2.7 kilograms of per liter-diesel saved; and 2.3
kilograms on per liter savings of gasoline.
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