ANGONO, Rizal – The local government’s decision to adopt hybrid sources for energy is paying off as monthly bills have significantly been slashed by roughly 25%, says its Municipal Administrator Alan Maniaol.
According to Maniaol, Meralco bills corresponding electricity consumption for the last three months showed a huge slash following the installation of solar panels atop of the población-based municipal hall last March. From an average of P200,000 to P240,000 monthly bill, the LGU has received consumption statements showing a month-on slash amounting to P40,000 per bill.
“Yes, we’ve been saving roughly 25% since April and we’re expecting up to 35% slash in the next few months,” said Maniaol, even as he claimed that the LGU intends to expand the use of hybrid power system in other LGU satellite offices sprawling in its 10 barangays.
The LGU also enjoined barangay units to follow – “Let’s face it. With or without an energy crisis, we should seriously consider other sources of energy that are cheaper, readily available and sustainable.”
In a separate statement, Mayor Jerimae Calderon hinted at asking the local council to re-align the amount saved for appropriation to other programs designed to alleviate the condition of the marginalized sectors facing difficulties in view of the economic crisis triggered by the continuing pandemic scare and the oil crisis. She also cited the urgent need to expand the use of hybrid power sources consistent with the LGU’s environment stance.
“Nag-decide tayo na mag-invest sa alternative source of energy para sa ating munisipyo, nakakatulong na sa environment makakatipid pa tayo sa monthly bill ng ating kuryente sa munisipyo,” Calderon said in her Facebook post. The lakeshore municipality, known as the Art Capital of the Philippines, strictly adheres to a local policy restricting the operation of “not so” environment-friendly businesses.
