Latest news with #DepartmentofEnergy
GMA Network
3 days ago
- Business
- GMA Network
Marcos: Fuel subsidies to be provided in expected oil price hike
President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Wednesday said that fuel subsidies would be given as oil prices are expected to rise amid the tension between Israel and Iran. In an interview with reporters, Marcos was asked how the Philippine government is bracing for the expected impact of the conflict. ''We are starting already with the assumption that the oil prices will in fact go up and I cannot see how it will not. Because the Strait of Hormuz will then be blocked if it escalates. The oil cannot come out of its sources. So the prices will certainly be affected,'' Marcos said. ''So the subsidies that we have always given, fuel subsidies, that we gave to, if you remember during the pandemic, lalong-lalong na 'yung mga napapasada, 'yung mga may hanap-buhay naman sila, binigyan nating fuel subsidies (We gave fuel subsidies to drivers during the pandemic)," he added. The president also said that the fuel subsidy will also include others who will be "severely affected." "Now we will have to do the same for those who are severely affected, stakeholders, by any instability in the price of oil. Yes, it's a serious problem,'' said Marcos. Under the existing policy, fuel subsidies for public transport drivers and farmers are automatically activated when the price of Dubai crude breaches $80 per barrel. Fuel prices The 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) provides an allocation of P2.5 billion through the Department of Transportation for fuel subsidies to drivers of public utility vehicles, taxis, ride-hailing services, and delivery platforms across the country. The President earlier tasked the Department of Energy to strictly monitor the tension in the Middle East as this is expected to affect fuel prices. The conflict between Iran and Israel began last Friday when the latter attacked Iran with air strikes. The Department of Energy-Oil Industry Management Bureau (DOE-OIMB) earlier projected pump price hikes this week, citing gains on positive US-China trade signals, the stall in nuclear negotiations between US and Iran, and the expected oil demand growth in the next two and a half decades. The DOE is already on alert and is implementing proactive and targeted measures to shield the economy and Filipino consumers against the negative effects of the escalating tensions between the two countries. DOE Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Sharon Garin said that the immediate priority is to ensure that the fuel supply remains stable and sufficient and that any local price adjustments are managed in a way that minimizes disruption to the Philippine economy. The agency also called on industry players to 'implement staggered fuel price adjustments, especially in cases of sudden and significant spikes in global oil prices, in order to cushion the impact on local consumers." As of June 16, the price of Dubai crude reached $73 per barrel, according to the DOE. Meanwhile, Marcos also said that there is no need yet for mandatory repatriation despite the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
Al Etihad
3 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi to offer 100 free energy efficiency audits for industrial buildings in retrofitting drive: DoE
18 June 2025 00:40 KHALED AL KHAWALDEH (ABU DHABI)The Department of Energy (DoE) on Tuesday announced plans to offer 100 free energy efficiency audits for industrial buildings as part of its broader push to promote sustainable development. The initiative also aims to meet demand-side management targets by improving building efficiency through updated regulations and retrofitting older at the RetrofitTech and Sustainable Buildings summit in Abu Dhabi, Mohamed Al Hadhrami, Energy Efficiency Sector Executive Director (Acting) at the DoE, highlighted how this initiative fits within Abu Dhabi's wider sustainability goals."Building retrofits and efficiency form one of the most important pillars of our demand-side management programme," Al Hadhrami told Aletihad on the sidelines of the summit."It supports Abu Dhabi's goal to reduce electricity consumption by 22% and water consumption by 32% by 2030."The audits, known as walk-through energy audits, will target key industrial sectors, including cement, food and beverage, glass, paper, steel, and heavy metals. Al Hadhrami explained that these audits will provide building owners and operators with clear insights into potential savings opportunities and help guide them towards more efficient energy practices."We want industrial owners to identify where they can reduce consumption, cut costs, and contribute to our collective environmental objectives," he said."So, the Department of Energy is trying to lead efficiency in the industrial sector by having this project, which we hope will enlighten industrial owners on how to improve their consumption." Cooling SolutionsAccording to Al Hadhrami, among the standout technologies being promoted as part of the retrofitting efforts are cooling solutions. Cooling accounts for 60-70% of energy consumption in most buildings across Abu Dhabi due to the region's hot climate, he said."The weather dictates our cooling needs, but we can still enjoy good cooling services while reducing electricity load significantly," Al Hadhrami said."This is where efficient cooling solutions come in, and we see enormous potential in scaling these technologies."One promising model gaining attention in the emirate is Cooling-as-a-Service (CaaS). While globally recognised, the concept is still in its early stages in Abu Dhabi. According to Al Hadhrami, the DoE sees CaaS as a powerful tool for improving efficiency and reducing capital expenditure for building owners."Instead of purchasing and maintaining air-conditioning systems, building owners can essentially rent these services from private sector providers," he said."The provider ensures the system runs at optimal efficiency, typically delivering at least 30% savings on energy consumption or cost, while the building owner focuses on their core business."Al Hadhrami emphasised that CaaS represents a major opportunity for the private sector to partner with property owners and play a key role in the emirate's green transition."We already have successful cases of this model being implemented in Abu Dhabi, and we're looking to empower more providers and accelerate adoption across the commercial and industrial sectors," he free audit initiative and the promotion of advanced cooling solutions are part of a broader, deliberate strategy to help Abu Dhabi achieve significant reductions in energy Hadhrami revealed that the DoE aims to cut at least 6.7 terawatt-hours of electricity consumption through retrofitting and related efficiency measures by 2030."We are leading by example, but we need building owners and businesses to step forward and work with us," he said. "These free audits are a starting point, and we are calling on industrial players to register and seize this opportunity." Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
The 'Property Brothers' reveal which kitchen appliances they always avoid: 'We were brainwashed'
If your kitchen still runs on a gas stove, "Property Brothers" stars Jonathan and Drew Scott have a clear recommendation: make the switch to induction. The HGTV duo, known for its home renovation expertise, is speaking out about the hidden health risks of cooking with gas and why electric alternatives are better for your home and the planet. While gas ranges have long been considered the gold standard in home cooking, studies now show they may be quietly polluting the air inside your home. According to Scientific American, gas stoves release nitrogen dioxide, a pollutant linked to increased respiratory issues. In fact, nearly 13% of childhood asthma cases in the U.S. can be traced back to indoor gas stove use, one study found. "We were brainwashed to think that [gas] was better than electric induction ranges," Drew said in a YouTube video. Since making the switch, he noted, "the air quality in our home is already so much better." His brother Jonathan shared a similar view in an interview with Bloomberg, saying, "Decarbonizing the home is critical because of the human health element. 40% of our energy related greenhouse gases come from buildings. The future of the home, in my mind, it's much cleaner and much safer." Induction cooktops use electromagnetic energy to heat pots and pans directly. This technology offers faster cooking, greater safety, and improved energy efficiency. The Department of Energy estimates that induction cooktops are up to three times more efficient than gas stoves and 10% more efficient than electric ones. That means lower energy bills, fewer emissions, and a safer cooking environment. For consumers concerned about cost, there are increasingly affordable options. Drew Scott pointed out that prices are dropping, with four-burner induction cooktops starting at around $275. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, homeowners can also receive up to $840 in federal rebates to help cover the cost of switching, although these incentives may not last forever. For renters or anyone not ready for a full kitchen remodel, plug-in induction burners start at just $50 and offer an easy, low-commitment way to transition. When you're buying a kitchen appliance, which of these factors is most important to you? Price Safety Effectiveness Style and appearance Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Induction stoves also outperform traditional options. They can boil water in half the time and stop heating instantly when the cookware is removed. These features offer better control and can lead to long-term savings on utility bills. With new construction bans on gas hookups already rolling out in places like New York City and statewide in New York as early as 2026, the shift away from gas is already underway. And making the switch now doesn't just future-proof your kitchen — it also helps build a cleaner, cooler future for everyone. Induction is a smart place to start if you're looking for a quick, cost-effective way to make your home safer and greener. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Car and Driver
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
U.S. States With the Most EV Registrations
Sales of new electric vehicles continue to rise in the United States. According to the Argonne National Laboratory, Americans purchased approximately 1.5 million new battery-powered vehicles—both battery-electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) in 2024 (7 percent more than the year prior). Of that, BEVs accounted for around 1.2 million of those sales. But the overall adoption of EVs in the U.S. is not evenly distributed throughout the 50 states. Some states see few people annually registering EVs, while others account for the lion's share of registrations. Using the latest data (2023) supplied by the U.S. Department of Energy, we've gathered the 10 states with the most EV registrations. Scroll through to see if your state made the cut.
GMA Network
4 days ago
- Business
- GMA Network
DOE appeals: Stagger price hikes in case of sudden spikes amid Israel-Iran tensions
The Department of Energy (DOE) is on alert as global petroleum prices rise amid the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran and is now implementing proactive and targeted measures to shield the economy and Filipino consumers. 'As we face continued volatility in the global oil market, the Department of Energy is taking firm and proactive steps to protect the welfare of our people,' DOE Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Sharon Garin said in a statement on Tuesday. 'Our immediate priority is to ensure that our fuel supply remains stable and sufficient, and that any local price adjustments are managed in a way that minimizes disruption to our economy. Through close coordination with the oil industry and strict monitoring of inventory levels, we are working to maintain energy security while preparing targeted interventions to support the most affected sectors,' Garin added. Thus, the Energy Department appealed to industry players to 'implement staggered fuel price adjustments, especially in cases of sudden and significant spikes in global oil prices, in order to cushion the impact on local consumers.' As of June 16, the price of Dubai crude reached $73 per barrel, according to the DOE. With this, the Energy OIC said the government is prepared to roll out fuel subsidies to sectors directly impacted by fuel price increases, specifically transport and agriculture. Fuel subsidies are aimed to prevent a domino effect that could drive up the cost of basic goods and services. Under existing policy, fuel subsidies for public transport drivers and farmers are automatically activated when the price of Dubai crude breaches $80 per barrel. The 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) provides an allocation of P2.5 billion through the Department of Transportation for fuel subsidies to drivers of public utility vehicles, taxis, ride-hailing services, and delivery platforms nationwide. Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture has an allocation of P585 million to support farmers and fisherfolk in the agricultural sector who may be adversely affected by rising fuel costs. Garin said the DOE will continue to monitor and analyze real-time global energy market data to inform timely, evidence-based policy responses. Oil companies are currently mandated to maintain at least a 30-day inventory of crude oil and a 15-day inventory of finished petroleum products. — BAP, GMA Integrated News
