Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (RA 11285)

Published on February 19, 2021

RA 11285 aims to institutionalize energy efficiency and conservation as a way of life towards efficient and judicious utilization of energy through the development and implementation of energy efficiency and conservation plans and programs.

Following its enactment, the Department of Energy (DOE) issued various circulars that aim to support its implementation:

a. Department Circular No. DC2022-03-0006: Adoption of Training Regulations Certification Process for Energy Auditors (EAs) covers the Training Regulations (TR) for the certification of Energy Auditors (EAs), recognition requirements and processes of qualified Training Institutions to implement the developed TR, and guidelines on the assessment, registration, and certification of EAs to the DOE.

b. Department Circular No. DC2022-03-0007: Adoption of Training Regulations for the Certification of Energy Conservation Officers (ECOs) is in pursuit of Section 49.a of RA 11285that mandates the DOE to a CECO certification system shall be developed by the DOE and TESDA. It shall be based on an approved scope of practice, a set of competency standards with a clear assessment and certification process, and a certification for the determined competency undertaken by the prescribes governance structure and quality assurance systems and aligned with the applicable international standards.

c. Department Circular No. DC2022-03-0008: Adoption of Training Regulations and Prescribing Certification Process for Training Institutions and Energy Managers is in pursuit of Section 49.b of RA 11285 that mandates the DOE to a CEM certification and assessment system for licensed engineers shall be established which shall be a professional certificate program for energy managers on energy management to ensure availability of competencies and skills required to promote and achieve the country’s sustainable energy goals.

d. Department Circular No. DC2022-04-0013: Adoption of Certification Guidelines for Energy Audit Conducted by Firm, Partnership, Corporation, and Sole Proprietorship (FPCS) covers the assessment, registration, and certification of qualified FPCS which will conduct energy audit, in line with Section 54 of the EEC-IRR, which states that the DOE, in consultation with TESDA and relevant stakeholders, shall develop guidelines for the certification of energy auditors.

The law and its supporting circulars are supportive of the identified actions in the PAP4SCP such as integrating an energy management system into business operations, and conduct of an energy audit once every three years.