Palace: Energy conservation goes beyond Earth Hour

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Palace: Energy conservation goes beyond Earth Hour
As the Philippine government gears up for an expected ‘power crisis,’ the Palace reminds the public that energy conservation should go beyond Earth Hour

MANILA, Philippines – Even as business establishments and homes across the Philippines switch their lights off for an hour on Saturday, March 28, the Palace has one simple reminder: energy conservation should go beyond the yearly event.

On Saturday, from 8:30 to 9:30 in the evening, homes and businesses across the country will be switching their lights and appliances off to take part in “Earth Hour,” a yearly global grassroots movement that is a rallying point for action against climate change.

The Philippines has been one of the most active participants in Earth Hour since 2008. (READ: Earth Hour lights-out seeks to illuminate climate plight)

“We see every year that this is celebrated or commemorated, that we see more and more people participating, but beyond the shutting of your lights from 8:30 to 9:30 tonight, we hope that we continue to do more on a daily basis to be able to conserve energy,” said Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte on Saturday, March 28, in an interview with state-run radio station dzRB.

Valte said Filipinos should be especially careful with the summer months approaching, “when our supply has to be managed closely.”

“We appeal to everyone to do their own little share in conserving energy, not because only it saves you money on your electricity bill, but it also contributes to the general well-being of everyone when it comes to our environmental situation,” added Valte.

The Philippine government is gearing up for a potential power crisis this year. Early this month, the Senate approved on third and final reading a joint resolution to give President Benigno Aquino III powers to address the feared power crisis.

Mid-march, the Malampaya natural gas plant temporarily went offline for a scheduled 30-day shutdown from March 15 to April 14. A power shortage looms in Luzon with the plant’s shutdown since it supplies 3 power plants in the area.

Power groups expect the shutdown to cause power rates to go up by at least P1 per kilowatt. The plants normally fueled by the Malampaya plant will now have to rely on liquid fuel to continue operations.

Valte said Earth Hour is a “symbolic” act in the conservation of energy. “Hopefully, in all the other days, we continue to implement the lessons or the spirit behind Earth Hour as well,” she added. – Rappler.com

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