The provincial administration of Leyte on June 27 switched on its newest solar power system. The now-solarized capitol complex aims to set an example for other local government units in adopting renewable energy.
Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla encouraged other local authorities and public offices within the province to follow suit, as it can help reduce electricity bills and contribute to worldwide efforts against climate change.
Solar Means Independence
Petilla, a former energy secretary during the administration of Benigno Aquino III, emphasized the importance of decentralizing power generation, stating, “The concept of the provincial capitol is basically to distribute power so that this building still has its own power plant. Can you imagine if everybody had their own power plant? The fact is, if the distribution lines are cut, we still have power.”
The project had an initial budget of Php 70 million that expanded due to growing energy demand. The result is a sustainable energy system that features 500-kilowatt (kW) batteries along with 420-kW solar panels installed in the designated parking areas of the capitol complex. The installation of this setup was completed in November 2023. Now that it is operational, the solar power system is expected to fulfill at least 80 percent of the provincial capitol’s energy needs, ensuring a reliable power supply amidst recent grid disruptions.
This self-sustaining approach aims to promote energy independence and resilience within the local government infrastructure. “We should have a solar power system for each municipal hall, and perhaps we should have this system in each building or each house,” said the former energy secretary who served from 2012 to 2015.
Solar Means Savings
According to Petilla, installing solar power systems has become a more cost-effective option now. “In the past, it was more expensive to have your own solar power system at PHP25 per kilowatt hour (KWh), compared to the electric cooperative’s PHP9 per KWh.”
The current high cost of electricity in Leyte is largely due to the rising expenses associated with operating power plants that rely on fossil fuels. A majority of Leyte’s electric cooperatives’ power supply is sourced from coal. Based on initial estimates, the project can help the provincial capitol save about PHP500,000 in monthly electric bills.
Source: Leyte gov’t switches on solar power system in capitol complex