Energy efficiency

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March 5, 2026 | 12:00am

Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, worries over global oil prices and supply stability are likewise escalating.

Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz resulted in heightened uncertainty on the world’s oil supply. The Strait of Hormuz is the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which reportedly about 20 million barrels of oil per day, or around 20 percent of the world’s oil consumption, passed through in 2024. For a country like the Philippines which imports nearly all of its oil, any disruption in this region poses an immediate threat to fuel costs and overall energy security.

In response to these risks, President Marcos emphasized that the government has put in place measures to secure the supply of oil and basic commodities and to help cushion potential price increases. He also directed all national government agencies, government owned or controlled corporations, state universities and colleges, and local government units (LGUs) to reduce fuel consumption “by at least 10 percent.”

Acting on this directive, the Inter Agency Energy Efficiency and Conservation Committee (IAEECC), through an advisory signed by Chair and Department of Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, formally ordered all government entities to implement the mandated reduction.

President Marcos also appealed to the public to help curb demand, underscoring the need for collective responsibility: “Panawagan ko na rin ito sa taong-bayan. Maghanap tayo ng paraan upang mabawasan ang ating paggamit ng lahat ng mga sources of energy natin (I am also making this appeal to the public. Let us find ways to reduce our use of all our energy sources).”

Secretary Garin, in a recent press conference, noted that while electricity supply remains likely shielded, several factors may still affect prices, particularly because fuel sources require shipping and extensive transport logistics. Rising global demand could further strain supply and push prices upward.

The message is clear: demand-side management through energy efficiency and conservation measures is no longer optional. It is now a national priority.

This call for conservation echoes what I have been consistently advocating and long emphasized: energy efficiency should not be practiced only during crises or price surges. It must become a way of life.

Even without geopolitical pressures, the dry season already pushes the country’s electricity supply to its limits. Peak demand rises sharply from the first to the second quarter, with tight operating margins whenever the summer heat coincide with unplanned power plant outages. In short, both price risks and reliability risks are increasing at the same time. Efficiency is the one lever that can help mitigate both.

Fortunately, the Philippines is not starting from zero. Republic Act 11285 institutionalizes energy efficiency and conservation as a “national way of life,” sets obligations for designated establishments and offers fiscal incentives for approved energy efficiency projects.

The Palace has also directed immediate low cost measures, including maintaining 24°C air conditioning set points, turning off unused appliances and preparing for possible interruptions. Meanwhile, the DOE and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) have pushed local governments to establish dedicated EEC offices and craft formal energy efficiency plans. The direction: do more with less and do it now.

Local government units are already responding. In Manila, Mayor Isko Moreno instructed barangays and satellite offices to reduce commuting and official travel by shifting certain transactions and coordination activities online. He also mandated all city departments and offices to enforce energy conservation measures, including a mandatory power shutoff at 5 p.m.

The advantages of efficiency, after all, extend far beyond immediate savings. When demand drops, it helps cushion the effect of increase in generation costs. Using less imported fuel also strengthens the country’s economic stability. Money saved from reduced subsidies can be redirected to more essential public services.

Government is already leading by example – and it can do even more. Beyond power shutoffs in government offices, retrofitting public schools, hospitals, offices and transport terminals with efficient lighting, insulation and HVAC systems can produce immediate and measurable savings.

Electricity distribution utilities such as Meralco can also accelerate the rollout of advanced metering infrastructure – smart meters paired with real?time data systems that enable both consumers and utilities to better monitor consumption, automate billing, detect outages faster and manage services remotely. This transparency empowers customers while helping stabilize the grid.

Media and civil society groups likewise play a crucial role in amplifying behavioral change. Their platforms can normalize energy?saving habits and help shift public perception from occasional “tipid measures” to sustained lifestyle choices. Meanwhile, households themselves can contribute through simple everyday practices: unplug appliances when not in use, maximize natural light, set airconditioners to 25°C and maintain them regularly, avoid overloading refrigerators and iron clothes in batches.

Each kilowatt-hour saved strengthens our collective resilience, reduces operating costs and helps mitigate future price shocks.

The government’s conservation directive is a timely push in the right direction. But the real impact will depend on how quickly those in the private sector, the communities and consumers turn that into systems and habits. We can start with no?cost actions this week through mentioned tips. For businesses, they can invest in retrofits that have immediate impact. Let is build the culture, propelled by governance and incentives, that make energy efficiency the default and not the exception. Efficiency is not just about saving electricity.

It is about safeguarding our economy, strengthening our energy future and proving that even in times of global volatility, we choose resilience over vulnerability and progress over pressure.