Ilocos Norte: Ilocos Norte province is leading the way in the installation of solar panels in its government buildings to save on electricity and lessen dependence on fossil fuels. This was bolstered by the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding among the provincial government of Ilocos Norte, ACEN Corporation, and the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC) for the implementation of a Solar Rooftop Program designed to support the province's ongoing efforts to harness solar power to energize government facilities, public schools, and other community structures.
According to Philippines News Agency, Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc expressed that this initiative represents significant progress for the energy sector in Ilocos Norte. He encouraged energy partners to ensure that everyone's interests are heard and protected through the tripartite agreement. Currently, the rooftop of the provincial capitol building is being retrofitted with solar panels. Similar installations will be made on the rooftops of Dap-ayan Commercial Building, the Governor Roque B. Ablan Sr. Provincial Hospital, and district hospitals in the towns of Bangui, Dingras, and Marcos.
Based on the latest energy audit conducted in various local government units, Ilocos Norte needs to allocate approximately PHP45 million to implement the solar project with a capacity of 470 kilowatts at peak operation. INEC stated that upon completion, the Solar Rooftop Project could reduce the province's electricity costs by 40 percent, as the power generated will be directed through the lone power distribution utility.
The ongoing project supports House Bill 7625, or the "Solar Energy in National Government Offices Act," filed by House Senior Deputy Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Representative Ferdinand Alexander Araneta Marcos III. This bill mandates solar energy systems to initially supply at least 10 percent of the electric power requirements of government agencies in their respective buildings or offices.
Despite the presence of solar and wind energy farms in the province, INEC reported that local households still heavily rely on coal-fired power plants. Renewable energy sources, including solar, hydro, wind, and geothermal, generate only around 20 percent of the country's power supply. Eric Francia, chief executive officer of ACEN, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte and INEC. He highlighted that the solar rooftop program will benefit the people of Ilocos Norte by caring for the environment and empowering communities.