The Department of Energy (DOE) has expanded the energy labeling program to include energy-consuming products (ECPs) used for cleaning and laundry, cooking and food processing, cooling, heating, grooming and information and communication technology.
The Philippine Energy Labeling Program (PELP) instituted by the government provides for a mandatory national labeling system for ECPs based on the energy performance of products.
PELP 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.
DOE said the move would empower consumers and help them become energy efficient.
Labeling of ECPs initially covers air conditioners, refrigerating appliances, television sets, and lighting products such as self-ballasted compact fluorescent lamps, linear or double-capped fluorescent lamps and light emitting diode (LED) lamps.
“With conservation and efficient utilization of energy among the major strategies of the government to realize energy self-sufficiency and reduce environmental impacts of energy generation and utilization, we are now expanding the coverage,” Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla 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.
Non-compliance, removal, defacing, or altering of the energy label will be subjected to fines, penalties, and criminal liability as provided under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act.
These include the imposition of fines ranging from P100,000 for the first offense to P1 million for the third offense.
