In a historic first for the city government, Bacolod City recorded a savings of approximately P250,000 in electricity costs for the month of March. This significant reduction follows the aggressive implementation of energy conservation measures introduced by Mayor Greg Gasataya to streamline government spending.
The city’s power usage saw a dramatic decline compared to last year’s figures. Previously, the local government averaged a monthly consumption of 80,000 kWh, resulting in bills of no less than P1.1 million. For March, usage plummeted to just 56,700 kWh, marking the lowest electricity billing for the city in several years.
The savings are largely attributed to the strict enforcement of Executive Order No. 11, which Gasataya signed on February 13. The directive focused on two main areas:
- Power Conservation: Reducing non-essential electricity use across all government offices.
- Fuel Efficiency: Tightening the usage of city-owned vehicles.
- Workforce Adjustment: The implementation of a four-day workweek throughout March played a pivotal role in keeping office utility costs down.
Gasataya emphasized that these savings are more than just numbers on a bill; they represent extra resources for the community. The diverted funds will be reallocated to social programs and services that directly benefit Bacolodnons.
The Mayor expressed his gratitude to city employees and the public for their cooperation, noting that collective support for responsible spending ensures that the city’s budget is used effectively for the welfare of all residents.
