REalize is a conference series set to inform various sectors in the country that they now have the power to source their power 100% from renewable energy resources without upfront capital costs through the Department of Energy’s Green Energy Option Program (GEOP).

Pursuant to Republic Act No. 9513 or the Renewable Energy Act of 2008, GEOP is a mechanism that allows electricity end-users with an average monthly consumption of 100 kilowatts or above the option to directly and solely source their electricity from renewable energy while still being connected to the main electricity grid.

The first REalize Conference, co-organized with Health Care Without Harm, is designed specifically for representatives from both public and private hospitals. This event will showcase the benefits and opportunities of GEOP for the healthcare sector. It will also serve as a collaborative platform for hospital administrators, government officials, and civil society organizations to discuss and address the challenges healthcare facilities face in adopting renewable energy solutions.

GEOP offers fast-lane access to 100% RE

The potential of GEOP being the healthcare sector’s fast lane towards renewable energy was first discussed during the roundtable discussion on greening the healthcare sector conducted by the Asian Development Bank, with support from Climate Reality Philippines, last March.

“The prospect of using renewable energy in our health facilities are viable ways for future-proofing investments for the health sector and ensuring health infrastructures are capable of adapting to the modern challenges of global warming,” Atty. Charade Grande, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH), said during the roundtable discussion.

“The goal is to adopt appropriate measures that are technologically feasible, economically sound, and environmentally friendly to reduce losses and wastage which in turn yields actual savings for the facility,” Dr. Melissa Tan, Director of the DOH Health Facilities Development Bureau, added.

GEOP serves as an ideal pathway for empowering the health sector with climate-resilient renewable energy solutions. The program allows hospitals to procure 100% renewable energy at no upfront cost, while also benefiting from lower electricity rates.

Authorized renewable energy suppliers within the GEOP program offer more competitive generation rates compared to the expensive pricing structures of traditional distribution utilities. These utilities primarily rely on coal-fired power plants, which cater to a captive market. By switching to GEOP, hospitals can achieve significant financial savings that can be redirected toward enhancing patient care services.

Furthermore, GEOP’s clean energy sources can significantly aid the health sector in achieving its environmental and sustainability goals. The program paves the way for hospitals to fulfill their net-zero targets and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

More REalize conferences coming soon

The Climate Reality Project Philippines, through the RE Energize PH program, has been continuously supporting GEOP with energy literacy and movement-building initiatives to reinforce the just energy transition agenda in the country.

Under this program, REalize was launched to engage the health, tourism, telecommunications, and academic sectors into tapping the potential of GEOP to access renewable energy.

Don’t miss out! Follow Climate Reality Philippines on Facebook for updates on future REalize conferences. Learn more about GEOP here.

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