IN a bid to drastically cut operational costs of the city government due to soaring prices of electricity, the Sangguniang Panlungsod passed a resolution calling on the city government to convert all electric-powered street lights, lights and facilities and equipment in all its offices to solar power.

The resolution was proposed jointly by Councilors Jose Netu Tamayo and Librada Reyna-Macalanda a month after consumers protested the increased generation charge put on their June billing by the local franchise holder Dagupan Electric Corporation (Decorp).

Tamayo suggested that a solar farm be installed initially at the rooftop of the Malimgas Public Market that can generate enough power to serve city hall and other public buildings in the city.

Towards this end, Tamayo asked the City Engineer’s Office to study on how much it would cost the city if it installs a solar farm at the rooftop of the Malimgas Market that would sufficiently service power requirements of public buildings in the city.

Citing his own experience with solar panels installed at the rooftop of his house, Tamayo said materials and equipment are not cheap but his monthly electric billings have greatly reduced and said this same benefit could be enjoyed by the city and could expect a hefty return on the investment over a medium or a longer term.

Councilor Michael Fernandez, citing the high costs of procurement of solar panels, suggested to prioritize the conversion of electric-powered street lights into solar powered units then to be followed by lights and equipment and facilities of the city.

City Treasurer Romelita Alcantara told the SP that the average monthly electric consumption of Dagupan is P4.3 million and P65 million has been allocated for electricity alone this year. (Leonardo Micua)