The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod approved on third and final reading an ordinance establishing the “Local Energy Code” during its regular session on Wednesday, July 19.
The Code, authored by Councilor Claudio “Kalaw” Puentevella aims to promote energy efficiency and conservation, facilitate the implementation of energy projects, and harmonize local and national resilience and development in Bacolod City.
The Local Energy Code of Bacolod City will promote and encourage the development and utilization of efficient renewable energy systems and technologies and other alternative sources of energy, the ordinance states.
It will also realize economic growth and development through a sufficient and stable energy supply while ensuring the protection of health and the environment, it adds.
The code also mandates the creation of an Energy Sector Committee to facilitate the implementation of energy projects, in accordance with the existing pertinent energy and other regulatory laws, and issuances.
The Energy Sector Committee will be chaired by the city mayor.
It shall be the policy of Bacolod City to promote, encourage, assist, and support the exploration and development of energy sources within its locality in support of the national government’s aim of achieving an optimal energy mix from conventional, alternative, renewable, and other sources of energy, it said.
The ordinance grants the allocation of P5 million for the implementation of the Local Energy Code.*