Dipolog City (21 July) -- In support of the national government's initiatives to address the rising cost of fuel and energy, the National Transmission Corporation (TransCo) has further intensified its energy conservation program.

With the recent issuance of Administrative Order 228, "Addressing the Rising Cost of Energy," by Malacañang, TransCo has revisited its energy conservation and energy utilization measures aimed at further reducing the corporation's energy and fuel consumption. TransCo's Power System Reliability Group (PSRG) was designated to lead the program.

"We are targeting a ten percent (10%) reduction in both fuel and electricity use," said Gregorio Cayetano, head of TransCo's enercon program.

"We require all departments which use vehicles to submit a monthly summary of mileage and fuel consumption report. All offices have been directed to synchronize their official travel itineraries to minimize the frequency and duration of official trips," Cayetano added.

TransCo has also started further reducing its electricity consumption through the implementation of energy conservation measures related to lighting systems, and use of office equipment and appliances.

As early as August 2005, TransCo had already replaced all its incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and 32-watt fluorescent lamps fitted with electronic ballasts.

Also, the operating hours of the air conditioning systems in all Transco offices nationwide was further reduced.

TransCo's centralized aircon system now operates from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Monday and from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Tuesday to Friday – 30 minutes earlier than the shut-off time prescribed under AO No. 228.

Stand-alone aircon units, on the other hand, operate on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. During lunch breaks, all aircon units are switched to "fan mode".

Only specific areas where work is being done remain lighted. Lights are switched off from 12 noon to 1 p.m. daily at work areas unless official work is being done during that period.

Elevator service is limited to three short periods per day (i.e., 7:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.), except when transporting physically handicapped people, pregnant women, and delicate equipment or office materials weighing 30 kgs. or more.

Cayetano said they are also in talks with the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for the adoption of other energy-saving measures including the conversion of TransCo service vehicles to liquefied petroleum gas or other alternative fuels, the installation of fuel-saving devices, and the utilization of new and more efficient lighting systems.