DOE Directs Government Agencies to Implement Energy Efficiency Measures Under GEMP

The Department of Energy (DOE), through the Inter-Agency Energy Efficiency and Conservation Committee, has issued an advisory directing all government agencies to strictly implement the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP) guidelines and comply with relevant IAEECC resolutions.

The advisory, signed by Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin on March 4, 2026, forms part of the government’s proactive measures to address potential energy supply risks amid ongoing developments in the Middle East and rising electricity demand during the hot dry season.

Under the directive, government offices are required to adopt and sustain energy efficiency and conservation (EEC) measures aimed at achieving at least a 10% reduction in energy consumption. The DOE emphasized that compliance with the policy is not only a regulatory requirement but also a demonstration of leadership in promoting responsible and efficient energy use across the public sector.

“Government must lead by example in using energy wisely and responsibly, especially during periods of heightened demand and global uncertainty,” said Secretary Garin, who also chairs the IAEECC. She added that the strict implementation of the GEMP will help reinforce a culture of energy conservation in public institutions while safeguarding the country’s energy security.

The advisory outlines several energy-saving practices for government offices. These include activating sleep settings on office equipment, maintaining air-conditioning thermostat settings at no lower than 24°C, ensuring doors of air-conditioned spaces remain closed, and switching off lights and computers during lunch breaks and after office hours when not in use. Agencies are also encouraged to adopt energy-efficient technologies such as LED lighting and inverter-type air-conditioning systems.

Additionally, the directive recommends the adoption of flexible work arrangements where practical and the installation of on-site renewable energy systems such as solar photovoltaic (PV) where feasible.

To strengthen compliance, government agencies are required to designate Energy Efficiency and Conservation professionals, including EEC Officers, Focal Persons, and Coordinators. They must also regularly submit monthly electricity and fuel consumption reports, maintain inventories of energy-consuming equipment, and prepare their Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plans (EECP) or Local Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plans (LEECP).

According to the DOE, these measures are crucial for achieving the objectives of the Government Energy Management Program, which aims to reduce energy consumption in government offices by at least 10% and institutionalize energy efficiency practices across the public sector.

The department added that compliance will be closely monitored, with the DOE Energy Audit Team conducting random spot checks and issuing energy ratings to assess adherence to the directive.

By strengthening the implementation of the GEMP and IAEECC resolutions, the DOE said the initiative reinforces the importance of responsible energy use and preparedness amid global developments that may affect oil markets and energy supply conditions.