DEPARTMENT CIRCULAR NO. DC2023-05-0018 ADOPTION OF THE NATIONAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION PLAN (NEECP) AND ROADMAP 2023-2050 WHEREAS, Section 2 of Republic Act (RA) No. 7638 or the Department of Energy (DOE) Act of 1992 states that it is the policy of the State to ensure a continuous, adequate, and economic supply of energy through, among others, judicious conservation, renewal, and efficient utilization of energy, to keep pace with the country's growth and economic development; WHEREAS, Sections 4 and 5 of the DOE Act of 1992, as amended, mandates for the formulation of policies for the planning and implementation of a comprehensive program for the efficient supply and economical use of energy, consistent with the approved national economic plan, and the provision for a mechanism for the integration, rationalization and coordination of the various energy programs of the Government with a preferential bias for environment-friendly, indigenous, and low-cost sources of energy; WHEREAS, Section 3 of RA 11285 or the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (EEC Act) provides for the establishment of a framework for introducing and institutionalizing fundamental policies on energy efficiency and conservation (EEC), including the promotion of efficient and judicious utilization of energy, increase in the utilization of energy efficiency and renewable energy (RE) technologies, and the delineation of responsibilities among various government agencies and private entities; WHEREAS, Section 4(z) of the EEC Act provides for the definition of the National EEC Plan (NEECP), which refers to the national comprehensive framework, governance structure, and programs for EEC with defined national targets, feasible strategies, and regular monitoring and evaluation: Provided, That it shall be aligned with the EEC Act and shall be a result of a collaborative and multi-stakeholder consultative process: Provided further That, it shall be regularly reviewed and revised as determined by the DOE; WHEREAS, in accordance with the provision of Section 4(z) of the EEC Act, a series of collaborative and multi-stakeholder consultative process were conducted where inputs were duly taken and considered on the proposed "NEECP and Roadmap 2023-2050" such as, 1) Call for Comments, which was posted on the DOE Website from 30 January 2023 until 10 February 2023; and 2) Virtual Public Consultation held nationwide on 17 April 2023; WHEREAS, Section 5 of the EEC Act mandates the DOE to take a lead as the Implementing Agency, and also provides for DOE's additional power and functions, which includes, among others, the following: a) Spearhead the creation and update the development of the NEECP in coordination with pertinent government agencies, Local Government Units (LGUs), and private corporations and organizations; and b) Develop a system of monitoring the implementation of the NEECP, including the targets that are established therein; WHEREAS, Section 5(m) of the EEC Act mandates the DOE to develop and undertake a national awareness and advocacy campaign on EEC in partnership with business, academe, nongovernment organizations, and other sectors; WHEREAS, Section 85 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the EEC Act (EEC-IRR) mandates the DOE, in coordination with various government agencies, to conduct the Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns to effectively implement the EEC Act and to develop and undertake a national awareness and advocacy program on EEC, and the development and utilization of RE technologies and systems; WHEREAS, the adoption of the NEECP and Roadmap is intended to define and outline all EEC programs to be implemented, their objectives, and the associated emission reduction targets over various time horizons; NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the foregoing premises and pursuant to its mandate under the EEC Act and EEC-IRR, the DOE hereby orders the following: Section 1. Title. This Department Circular (DC) shall be known as the "NEECP and Roadmap 2023-2050". Attached is the NEECP and Roadmap 2023-2050. Section 2. Continuous Improvement. Pursuant to Section 4(z) of the EEC Act, which mandates the DOE to regularly review and revise as determined, and while recognizing the continuous advancements in EEC technologies, systems, and practices, the Energy Utilization Management Bureau (EUMB) of the DOE shall lead the updating of the NEECP and Roadmap through revisions and/or updates within three (3) years unless sooner required: Provided That, any revision and/or update shall be indicated by the year of its effectivity. Moreover, the EUMB shall spearhead, coordinate, and facilitate all activities related to the updating of the NEECP and Roadmap. Section 3. Information, Education and Communication Activities. Pursuant to Section 85 of the EEC IRR, the EUMB, in partnership with relevant stakeholders, shall develop and undertake a national awareness and advocacy program on EEC. Section 4. Repealing Clause. The provisions of other circulars, orders, issuances, rules and regulations, which are inconsistent with the provisions of this DC are hereby repealed, amended, modified or superseded accordingly. Section 5. Separability Clause. If, for any reason, any section or provision of this DC is declared unconstitutional or invalid, such parts not affected shall remain in full force and effect. Section 6. Effectivity. This DC shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. A copy of this DC shall be filed with the University of the Philippines Law Center — Office of the National Administrative Register. Issued on May 25, 2023 at the DOE, Energy Center, Rizal Drive cor. 34th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. RAPHAEL P. M. LOTILLA Secretary