Govt Looking Into Adjusting Rules for Green Energy

The government is looking into adjusting rules about challenges and issues that discourage and block participation in the Green Energy Option Program (GEOP).

A report conducted by the Clean Energy Investment Accelerator (CEIA) shows that a slow uptake has been observed among energy consumers in the first eight months of the GEOP’s implementation, with less than 160 end-users enrolled in the program.

The CEIA says this translates to an estimated less than 40 megawatts of renewable energy demand or less than 1% of the total electricity demand of the country.

Factors that add to the lack of participation include the inability of businesses to lease facilities to deal with retail electricity suppliers directly and the limited awareness of potential customers.

CEIA Philippines lead Marlon Apanada says that “Improving the GEOP will not only be advantageous for the Philippines’ energy transition but will also support global companies to purchase more renewable energy and invest in renewable energy plants,”

He adds that “Policymakers should urgently address barriers to increase participation in the GEOP, which is a pathway not only for 100 percent renewable energy, but also for cheaper electricity costs, scaled investments in much-needed energy capacity, and timely realization of energy independence and climate goals,”

The GEOP allows energy consumers to source 100% of their electricity supply straight from renewable energy sources and is accessible to end users of electricity with an average peak demand of a minimum of 100 kilowatts.

The rules of the GEOP were implemented last September 3, 2021, and indicated a transitory period of three months.

Source: Philstar