How to solve the Mindanao power crisis immediately

We can possibly solve the Mindanao crisis—or at least substantially reduce the power deficit—in this manner: Ask all air-con consumers there to change their units from the present conventional type to the inverter type and use energy-saving lightbulbs. I used to spend P160,000 or more monthly for electricity due to aircon use. I was able to reduce this amount to P75,000 by using an “inverter aircon.”

By using an inverter aircon and energy-saving lightbulbs in Mindanao, we will derive the following benefits:

1. A 40-percent reduction in our power consumption; this will minimize the impact of the crisis there.

2. The P4.5 billion government expects to spend for new generator sets will be saved. This amount may be even used to convert existing units in government buildings into inverter-type aircons; as well as to buy energy-saving lightbulbs.

3. Consumers in Mindanao will be spared power rate hikes.

4. Those who convert to inverter aircons can, with their reduced consumption, expect to break even in six to eight months’ time. The years to come, then, can be considered as a bonus in power-saving consumption.

5. This would be a win-win solution for all concerned since the disruption in the business sector, as well as in the communities, will be minimized.

6. If applied nationwide, we will be able to drastically reduce power consumption so much so that we can buy time before building new power plants to avoid another power crisis.

I hope this concept of mine will greatly help our country to solve the crisis and substantially reduce everybody’s electric bills. It is simple, but I hope you will agree with me that it is worth looking into seriously.

—OSCAR I. VIOLAGO,

president and CEO,

San Lorenzo Ruiz Builders & Developers Group Inc.,

One Magnificent Mile Building,

San Miguel Avenue,

Ortigas, Pasig City