The Philippines saved 132.11 megawatts (MW) of energy during this year’s Earth Hour by turning off non-essential lights and appliances from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. last Saturday (March 23).

According to the Department of Energy (DOE), the energy savings this year more than doubled from last year’s Earth Hour with 62.69 MW savings.

“We are pleased to see such an impact in electricity savings during last Saturday’s Earth Hour. This only demonstrates our people’s dedication to safeguarding our planet. By coming together for this symbolic gesture, we send a powerful message of unity and commitment to sustainable practices,” DOE Secretary Raphael Lotilla said in a statement Monday.

Luzon had the largest contribution to energy savings last Saturday at 73.86 MW, followed by Visayas at 53.3 MW, and Mindanao at 4.95 MW.

During Earth Hour in 2023, Luzon had energy savings of 33.29 MW, Visayas with 20.50 MW, and Mindanao with 8.9 MW.

“But I hope our practice of energy conservation will go beyond the Earth Hour. As we enter the warm and dry season coupled with the El Niño phenomenon, let us sustain the momentum in order to prevent supply strain due to shifts in peak demand consumption brought about by increased cooling needs,” Lotilla added.

The country’s largest energy savings during Earth Hour was in 2019 with total savings of 195.34 MW. (PNA)