DOE to craft policy on EV charging stations

Danessa Rivera (The Philippine Star) - March 24, 2021 - 12:00am
https://www.philstar.com/business/2021/03/24/2086457/doe-craft-policy-ev-charging-stations

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Energy (DOE) is coming out with a policy on electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.

The agency is seeking comments until April 8 on the proposed guidelines for the development, establishment, and operation of electric vehicle charging stations (EVCs) in the Philippines.

The draft policy will consolidate and harmonize all existing issuances related to EVCs to ensure the safe, efficient operations and system reliability, and to accelerate investments in the country.

According to the DOE, the emerging EV technology presents opportunities for improving energy efficiency of transportation in support of the government’s energy independence agenda.

Adopting and confirming the Philippine EV Policy Analysis Report from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the DOE said EVs have the lowest energy cost compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, which are mostly gasoline-fueled.

“EV charging stations are significant in managing the driving range anxiety and in supplying power for EV, wherein daily travel distance could exceed the vehicle range. In order to ensure the success of EV adoption programs and to maximize combined economic, social, energy security and environmental benefits, EV diffusion interventions should be streamlined through regulations, complimentary industry development and demonstration and Information Education Campaign (IEC), among other forms,” the DOE said.

To raise EV adoption, the DTI report stressed the need to formulate installation standards and permitting protocols for EV charging, and requirements on the adoption of EVs and EVCs.

Under the proposed policy, the DOE said proponents of EVCs need to submit a written notice to the Energy Utilization Management Bureau (EUMB).

The written notice should be submitted with permits and licenses secured from relevant agencies and local government units (LGUs), such as registration from the DTI or Securities and Exchange Commission (ERC), LGU-issued business permit, zoning clearance, project or business plan, fire safety inspection certificate, certificate of conformance of facilities to national or accepted international standards on health, safety and environment, product liability insurance certificate, and environmental compliance certificate issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

EVCs should also comply with the minimum requirements provided for under the Building Code of the Philippines, the Philippine Electrical Code, and DOE circular “Adoption of the Guidelines on Energy Conserving Design of Buildings.

The policy also lays down a designated dedicated parking slot for EVCs, which should also publicly display energy label and markings.