LEYTE – The provincial government of Leyte has announced the completion of a PHP70-million solar power project aimed at powering the new capitol complex and promoting renewable energy usage among residents and businesses.
According to Philippines News Agency, the government will activate the solar power system on November 11 after a five-month installation period. Petilla, speaking to journalists on Monday, articulated the administration's objective of not only energizing the capitol but also spreading awareness about solar power benefits. With a vision for Leyte to gain 20% energy independence from fossil fuel plants, the initiative encourages households to establish personal solar systems. The newly installed solar power system features 500-kilowatt batteries and 420-kilowatt solar panels, doubling as parking space canopies at the provincial government complex. Despite the project's completion, the complex remains linked to the local electric cooperative for energy supply optimization. The project is poised to reduce the capitol's monthly electric bill by PHP500,000 and presents a more cost-effective energy option at PHP8 per kilowatt hour compared to the cooperative's PHP14 per kilowatt hour. Petilla, who served as the energy secretary, also noted the decreasing costs of solar installations compared to past prices and the impact of fossil fuel power plants on electricity costs. Leyte's electric cooperatives primarily source power from a coal-powered plant in Mariveles, Bataan.