Ilocos Norte is making significant strides in sustainability with its push to install solar panels across government buildings, aiming to reduce electricity costs and lessen reliance on fossil fuels. This initiative was strengthened by the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding between the provincial government of Ilocos Norte, ACEN Corporation, and the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC) for the implementation of the Solar Rooftop Program.
Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc expressed his optimism about the program, calling it a major step forward for the province’s energy sector. “This will be a huge step forward for the energy sector in Ilocos Norte,” he said, urging energy partners to ensure that the agreement reflects everyone’s interests.
The project has already begun with the installation of solar panels on the rooftop of the provincial capitol building. The same initiative will be applied to the rooftops of several other key buildings, including the Dap-ayan Commercial Building, Governor Roque B. Ablan Sr. Provincial Hospital, and district hospitals in Bangui, Dingras, and Marcos.
A recent energy audit indicated that the province will need approximately PHP45 million to implement the solar project, which will have a peak capacity of 470 kilowatts. Once completed, INEC expects the solar rooftops to reduce the province’s electricity costs by 40%, as the generated power will be supplied to the local power distribution network.
This solar initiative supports House Bill 7625, the “Solar Energy in National Government Offices Act,” which mandates that government offices implement solar energy systems to meet at least 10% of their electricity needs.
Despite the presence of solar and wind farms in the province, INEC noted that the region’s power needs are still largely met by coal-fired plants, with renewable energy sources accounting for just 20% of the country’s total power supply.
Eric Francia, CEO of ACEN, expressed excitement about the partnership, emphasizing that the Solar Rooftop Program will benefit both the environment and the local communities. “This solar rooftop program will definitely help the people of Ilocos Norte, not only by taking care of the environment but also by empowering communities,” Francia said.
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