The Department of Energy (DOE) has expanded the list of energy consuming products (ECPs) covered by the country’s energy labeling program as part of its push to accelerate efforts for energy efficiency.
The ECP products used for cleaning and laundry, cooking and food processing, cooling, heating and ventilating, grooming and personal care, information and communication technology equipment, and lighting are now covered by the Philippine Energy Labeling Program (PELP) instituted by the government.
Labeling of ECPs will initially cover only air conditioners, refrigerating appliances, television sets and lighting products.
The expanded energy labeling program seeks to promote the energy consumers’ welfare further
The PELP provides for a mandatory national labeling system for ECPs based on the energy performance of products. It aims to transform the market and encourage the shift in consumer behavior towards using energy-efficient products and technologies by empowering them through the information displayed on the labels at points of sale.
With the expanded coverage of PELPS, the DOE said all importers, manufacturers, distributors, dealers, and retailers of ECPs with or without a prescribed minimum energy performance Products (MEPP) requirement are now required to bear the energy label that specifies the energy efficiency rating of the product model.
MEPP is a minimum energy performance set by the DOE for specific energy consuming products.The star ratings on the energy label correspond to the product’s energy performance.
The higher the energy performance, the greater number of stars, which indicates that the product is more efficient.
Lotilla discussed that the labeling of energy products would lead to the empowerment of consumers in choosing energy-efficient products at the point of sale.
It would also result in the realization of energy savings and reduction of energy bills and elimination of inefficient products in the market, including reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
With additional Report: The Philippine Star, Richmond Mercurio
