Spearheaded by Junior Chamber International Davao, in partnership with the Ateneo de Davao School of Engineering and Architecture, Mindanao Development Authority, Department of Energy and Davao Light and Power Company, the energy conservation forum aims to target the youth sector in raising awareness in the responsible use of energy as well as ongoing developments in the energy sector. The forum gave emphasis on the energy situation in Mindanao and the actions being taken by both the government and non-government sectors.

Each speaker had a addressed the different concerns relating to energy. The Mindanao Development Authority gave focus on the available energy resources in Mindanao as well as the energy mix in the region which is majorly dependent on renewable resources. However, the said lack of supply was not because of the use of renewable energy but the lack of rehabilitation done to further match the growing need of the region.

Next up was the Department of Energy which gave a brief explanation on the renewable energy laws as well as their measures to encourage more investors to engage in the renewable energy business. They have started a ?One-stop shop? for those interested to process documents needed to start their own renewable energy facilities.

Third on the lineup was the Davao Light and Power Company which focused on energy saving tips that one can do at home. Davao light is one of the electric companies in Mindanao that have addressed the rotating brownouts in their area by having their very own diesel plant. Along with their energy saving tips, they also explained the breakdown of fees they charge to their customers. They also announced in the forum that they will now be offering net metering for their customers. Net metering is a system that allows a customer to become a consumer and producer of energy at the same time. These are for households that have solar PV panels or other systems that produce energy.

Finally, the Dean of the School of Engineering and Architecture of the Ateneo de Davao University had the floor and discussed on the best practices made by the university in order to conserve energy. The university has been spending Php 1.5 Million pesos (USD 34,000) on the monthly energy bills. He presented various solutions to conserve power such as the use of energy saving lights that have reduced this electric bill by 15%.

Overall, the speakers really have given emphasis on the need to conserve energy as well as find means to save energy. The organizers also gave away energy conservation tips that can help us conserve energy in our own homes. You can download them as well in the link for your reference.