This is a continuation of DOE’s initial campaign in Subic, Cebu, Batangas, and Iloilo. Choosing Renewables conference is free and open to all businesses operating within Philippine economic zones, as well as renewable energy suppliers and the existing roster of GEOP switchers. The series is scheduled as follows:

July 31: Laguna 
August 07-08: Leyte 
August 14-15: Bacolod 
August 28-29: Cagayan De Oro 

This initiative aims to empower businesses within Philippine economic zones to make informed decisions about their energy options and unlock the potential of renewable energy for a more competitive portfolio. It also aims to provide input and suggestions on improving rules and regulations on GEOP. 

Unlocking clean energy for ecozones

Choosing Renewables shines a spotlight on GEOP, a game-changer for businesses within Philippine economic zones seeking access to clean and sustainable energy. 

Under the program, electricity end-users with an average monthly peak demand of 100 kilowatts or above could choose to source renewable energy from a licensed supplier as opposed to consuming whatever is supplied by their distribution utility.

“GEOP offers a fast-lane mechanism for entities to access 100% renewable energy without any capital cost while providing cheaper power generation rates. While empowering the end-users to choose their sustainable energy source, it also makes them more suited to compete in the global market,” said Nazrin Camille Castro, the Branch Manager of The Climate Reality Project Philippines. 

More businesses have been witnessing the gains and opportunities of renewable energy after their first-hand experience with GEOP. Ecozone locators like Foodcrafters, Inc., Delfingen PH, and Philippine IINO Corporation cited reliable energy supply, cheaper power costs, and reduced carbon emissions as the benefits of switching to renewable energy through GEOP. 

Improving GEOP rules and regulations

The Choosing Renewables series acknowledges both the undeniable benefits of 100% renewable energy and the current hurdles of GEOP guideline implementation such as minimum energy requirements, complex registration processes, and concerns about supply stability.

To address these challenges, the second day of the conferences in Leyte, Bacolod, and Cagayan de Oro will feature a public consultation component. The DOE will present a draft amendment to the GEOP implementation rules for public feedback.

“We are now in the process of reviewing and reconciling the policies and guidelines [of GEOP] to have a harmonized implementation. This adds more weight to the significance of this activity because we will be hearing your suggestions on how to further improve the process,” Assistant Secretary Mylene Capongcol said during the initial campaign in Iloilo early this year.

Follow our accounts for more updates about the conference and visit our website to learn more about GEOP. 

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