𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗚𝗘 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | LPC Energy Conservation Team analyzes continuous rise in electric consumption

Date Posted: May. 16, 2026

In response to the continuous increase in electric consumption, which recently reached its peak level, the Limay Polytechnic College (LPC) Energy Conservation Team, led by Mr. Ariel Vibar, Director for Finance and Administrative Services, convened with academic heads on May 5 to analyze the situation, identify contributing factors, and establish intervention mechanisms aimed at reducing energy consumption.

During the meeting, Mr. Vibar presented comparative data on electric consumption covering the same period last year, alongside the College’s monthly consumption progress report.

The team conducted a comprehensive analysis of the possible causes behind the surge in energy usage. Among the key observations identified were the following:

1. The nationwide increase in electricity rates, with households and institutions alike experiencing doubled or tripled charging effects due to the ongoing national energy crisis;
2. Dramatic increase in student population that share in energy consumption;
3. Intensified temperature levels, despite classrooms and offices maintaining air-conditioning units at a maximum thermostat setting of 24°C;
4. Broken jalousie windows allowing excessive heat penetration into classrooms;
5. Open holes in ceilings left from previously replaced air-conditioning units;
6. Reports of students staying inside classrooms beyond scheduled class hours;
7. Frequent switching on and off of air-conditioning units due to successive classroom transition arrangements; and
8. The operational strain experienced by newly installed air-conditioning units servicing large class populations and wider classroom spaces, resulting in increased compressor pressure.

In view of these findings, LPC President Dr. Elmer De Leon presented several recommendations and intervention measures.

These include the long-term plan of solarizing LPC facilities; developing an adjustable cooling mechanism based on temperature conditions to balance energy conservation with the sustained health, comfort, and teaching- learning outcomes among students and faculty members; besides, installing electric fans in the classrooms may be tried out if these may contribute; and strengthening monitoring and implementation mechanisms, including authorizing security personnel to open classrooms and turn on aircondition units prior to scheduled classes and secure and turn them off immediately after use.

Consequently, the repair and replacement of defective door locks and handles in classrooms shall likewise be enforced to support proper monitoring and energy conservation measures.

The President also noted that broken jalousies and ceiling openings had already been reported to the General Services Office (GSO), while measurements for purchase of protective curtains had likewise been completed. Class schedules shall also be adjusted to ensure straight classroom utilization arrangements, minimizing repetitive switching on and off of air-conditioning units.

Moreover, policies and guidelines on energy conservation shall be reiterated, stricter monitoring shall be enforced by the Roving Team, and regular consumption monitoring and reporting shall continuously be undertaken by the Director for Finance and Administration (DFA).

Accordingly, Dr. De Leon has been continuously coordinating with General Services Office (GSO) officials regarding possible courses of action to ensure that LPC’s energy consumption and corresponding expenditures remain within reasonable and justifiable levels.

This initiative aligns with the institution’s policy on cost-efficiency and responsible resource management in adherence to SDG # 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and Pathway 1 of LPC's Strategic Direction (Efficient Governance and Resource Management).

Consequently, Dr. De Leon directed the Committee to urgently prepare a comprehensive report and set of recommendations to be presented to the Municipality through the GSO.

LPC likewise reaffirmed its strong adherence to the Department of Energy’s call for energy conservation and electric consumption reduction among government agencies and institutions, especially in this time of declared national energy crisis.

This directive was also reiterated by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) through a memorandum issued to higher education institutions. Said order for implementation is grounded on Memorandum Circular No. 114 issued by Malacanang.

To further establish a more accurate and scientific basis for analysis, the College shall undertake an in-depth research initiative involving thorough investigation procedures.

The results of the study will form part of the official technical report to be submitted to the DOE, the Municipality, and CHED as part of compliance measures and adaptive intervention frameworks.

This continuous quality improvement (CQI) initiative supports LPC’s commitment to sustainable development and operational efficiency in pursuit of its institutional goals.

Dr. De Leon also commended the Energy Conservation Team for its meaningful analysis, collaborative efforts, and significant exchange of ideas toward addressing the issue effectively. #

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