The city government here is drafting an energy code ordinance to promote energy efficiency and conservation and facilitate the implementation of energy projects, especially from renewable sources.

“We are mandated by the national government to have an energy code to harmonize the utilization of energy in the local and national policies on energy utilization, efficiency, safety, resilience and development and for other related purposes,” said City Council Committee on Energy and Public Utilities chair, lawyer Romel Duron, in an interview on Thursday.

As provided in the ordinance, the city government will have to create an energy committee to facilitate the implementation of energy projects following pertinent and other regulatory laws and ordinances.

Duron cited as among the possible projects an ongoing feasibility study on the proposed wind turbines and the installation of solar panels at the city hall, dialysis centers and the Iloilo City Action and Response (ICARE) center.

He said the city has a lot to gain once it has its energy code, especially with regard to environmental protection.

“This could lessen our dependence on our distribution utility with the use of renewable energy sources, like solar,” he added.

Duron said the city government has to pass several other ordinances that will be integrated into the proposed Local Energy Code of Iloilo City.

The city government has an existing ordinance providing incentives to establishments using solar energy and other renewable energy and a net metering ordinance, allowing consumers to sell their excess power supply to a distribution utility, he said.

Duron hoped to get the approval of the Sangguniang Panlungsod for the Energy Code next week. (PNA)