Bacolod lauded for taking ‘bold steps’ to utilize solar power

The move of the Bacolod City government to harness solar power to energize the Government Center and other public structures here is a “monumental step towards Bacolod’s energy future”.

This was stated by Frederic Tesfay, who leads the Urban Act and Renewable Energy Projects in the Philippines for GIZ, the main German development agency, during the switch-on of 400-kilowatt (KW) solar power system at the Bacolod City Government Center led by Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez on Wednesday afternoon.

“Today marks a significant milestone as the switch-on for the solar energy of government buildings happens. With this initiative, you are not just switching on lights – Bacolod is switching on opportunity, progress and independence for the people of this city,” he added.

Tesfay said that “while other cities hesitate, Bacolod has taken bold steps forward”.

“This project is proof that Bacolod leads the way in innovation. The revolution has now started and this project is a strong foundation for growth. Imagine, as more people and organizations invest in renewable energy, costs can be reduced and together can create an energy source and sustainable future to drive industrial development and economic growth,” he said.

Benitez said the city government allocated more than PHP20 million to install the solar power system at the Government Center.

“We bought the whole system and we’re the one using it,” the mayor said.

He added that by utilizing solar power for the government buildings, the city government is expected to reduce its electricity costs by about 50 percent.

“We are projecting at least 50 percent. The electricity bills at the Government Center amount to PHP2 to PHP 3 million so we’re expecting about PHP1.5 million savings per month,” Benitez said.

Under its solar power program, the city government is eyeing to harness a total capacity of 1,340 KW in solar power to energize not only the Government Center, but also other public buildings in several villages.

The list of projects showed the areas and solar power capacity as follows: Barangay Taculing– 150-KW, City Disaster Reduction and Management Office and the village gym; Barangay Sum-ag — 140KW, barangay hall and public market; Barangay Vista Alegre — 120KW, evacuation center and youth home; Barangay Granada — 80KW, public market; and Barangay Villamonte — 50KW, gymnasium.

Other identified villages will be provided a solar power facility with a capacity of 40KW each, including Barangay 16, which will be installed at Rizal Elementary School, along with Alijis, Singcang-Airport, Tangub, Estefania, Pahanocoy, Handumanan, Punta Taytay, Cabug, and Felisa.* (Nanette Guadalquiver, PNA)