Philippines’ Iloilo City Adopts Solar Power To Slash Electricity Costs And Boost Sustainability

The municipal administration has embraced solar energy to fulfil approximately one-third of its daily energy demand, which hovers around 200 kilowatts.

Mayor Jerry Treñas of Iloilo City highlighted the potential cost savings on electricity expenses through the utilization of solar power. The city plans to engage in the net metering program with the More Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power) to manage excess energy, particularly during weekends.

Over the weekend, the installation of 134 solar panels was completed, and they are expected to commence operations this week. The initiative is projected to save the city government around PHP96,000 monthly, with additional benefits from net metering.

Engineer James Macairang from the City Engineer’s Office emphasized the positive impact on consumption and the city’s environmental initiatives. Plans include extending solar power to the legislative building, and the city’s dialysis centers and Esplanade are already utilizing solar energy.

Mayor Treñas envisions expanding the use of solar power to more public schools, with the city’s largest national high school already embracing this sustainable energy source.