All over the Philippines, the Department of Energy is conducting the Smart Energy Utilization Forum and Stakeholders Conference.  At the end of last month, on November 29, 2017, DOE conducted one at the Fontana Hot Spring Leisure Parks in the Clark Freeport Zone.  The title of the event is ?E-Power Mo!?  They had three presentors in the persons of Dr. Steve Chan, Engineer Rogelio Magat and Director Jesus Tamang.   Dr. Chan is from the US Pacific Command and he discussed how DOE and the USAID are teaming up to improve the integration of intermittent sources of renewable energy into the grid.  Engr. Magat, on the other hand, spoke about the best environmental practices in the Clark Development Corporation. Dir. Tamang discussed and gave examples of energy efficiency in government buildings.

In the afternoon, there were breakout sessions on the following:

(1)    Downstream Oil and Natural Gas Sectors

(2)    Upstream Sector

(3)    Renewable Energy Sector

(4)    Power Energy Sector

(5)    Alternative Fuels and Energy Efficiency Sector and

(6)    Consumer Sector.

In the Renewable Energy Sector, there were representatives from local government, private developers and others concerned.  They discussed the how Renewable Energy has grown and expanded in the Philippines and clarified procedures and requirements for acquiring Renewable Energy Service Contracts.  After discussing the Legal, Technical and Financial criteria, there was an open forum for more clarifications.

The Department of Energy is going around the country to conduct these events so that their stakeholders will have a better understanding of the Power situation in the country and how the stakeholders are important in its development.  ?E-Power Mo!? loosely translated means to empower. I think, it means to strengthen the power industry and all its sectors.  The event aims to provide information on the developments in the energy sector.   According to DOE Secretary Alfonso Cusi, there is a ?need to send across the message of the energy sector to the entire energy chain, from the industry players down to the general public.?