Energy managers see Cebu as a key market

AN ENERGY management firm, Schneider Electric, hopes to replicate the energy efficiency measures it employed in various industries in Luzon to areas in the Visayas, particularly Cebu.

Schneider Electric president Philippe Reveilhac, in a recent interview, said they hope to work with various industries here and help them achieve energy savings without compromising the efficiency of their operations.

“We have always considered Cebu as a key market for our solutions. The city’s rapid development means that there is an increased demand for energy, and that’s where we come in. We are bringing our solutions here to help Cebuanos achieve more and make the most of their energy,” Reveilhac said.

He noted that improvements in energy efficiency, particularly to energy-intensive industries like manufacturing, IT, and hotels can have a big impact on their bottom lines.

“Energy efficiency is one area where Filipino industries can increase its competitiveness. Energy is one area with an opportunity to reduce costs,” he said.

“This may require new investments but we are looking at sustainable and high returns in the long run,” he added.

Reveilhac said they hope to help companies measure, fix the basic, automate and monitor energy consumption for them to achieve energy savings. “We can help companies save up to 30 percent in power costs with our ‘active energy efficiency’ strategy,” he said.

Temperature

One area, he said, that needs to be managed is the temperature, which accounts for 40 to 50 percent of the total energy consumption of energy-intensive companies.

To achieve energy management in this area, Reveilhac suggested companies could either automate their equipment or change to energy-efficient devices.

He also pointed out that companies must drum up awareness on energy efficiency in their workplace so employees will have a better understanding of the energy management initiatives adopted by the company.

Schneider Electric is also willing to support government projects that employ energy-efficiency programs.

Reveilhac said one successful project done by the company is the country’s first ever solar-powered tunnel in Mandaluyong City, through the partnership of private and public companies. The Boni Tunnel is seen to help save the Mandaluyong City Government over P230,000 in their annual electricity cost.