THE ENERGY Regulatory Commission (ERC) and the Department of Energy (DoE) have signed an agreement with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) to steer the housing industry towards greener energy-efficient, and digital-ready building options.
“The tripartite memorandum of understanding seeks to support the sustainable and digital transformation of the housing industry by making it greener, resilient, digitally connected and more inclusive, as we fight and rise above the challenges brought by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change,” ERC Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Agnes VST Devanadera said in a statement Friday.
The DHSUD will tap the energy agencies for capacity-building in the energy aspects of housing policy, and encourage energy efficiency and conservation in housing. The three will develop incentive programs for builders to conform with the guidelines on Energy Conserving Design of Buildings.
The ERC will also partner with DHSUD, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and local government units (LGUs) in developing solar-powered and solar net-metered communities.
“If needed, (ERC) will also develop and promulgate the relevant rules and regulations on new technologies that will create more utility savings for the renewable-energy powered communities,” it said.
Meanwhile, the DoE will train and help DHSUD personnel on the implementation of Republic Act No. 11285 or the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act. – Revin Mikhael D. Ochave