ENERGY PATROL PROGRAM: A SOLUTION TOWARDS ENERGY
CONSERVATION AND EFFICIENCY AND ELECTRICAL SAFETY IN
MARCELA T. MABANTA MEMORIAL NATIONAL HIGHSCHOOL
I. INTRODUCTION
In accordance with the Powering Down: A Toolkit for Behavior-Based Energy
Conservation In K-12 Schools, energy costs loom large in school district budgets,
comprising the second biggest operational expense after personnel. Energy is a vital
input in managing school buildings and optimizing the learning environment for
students. Ensuring that lighting, indoor air quality and other needs are well provided for
is essential. (Crosby, Kate, 2013) It is known that energy is part of the daily
consumption and is fundamental, especially for schools, since many school activities
such as the computer laboratories that includes computer tasks performed by the
students which necessarily needs electricity and also for school visual presentations
that shows the students visual learning. Electricity is one of the most used energy
resources in many establishments such as school, so it is important to utilize it in proper
way in order to save and the consumption will somehow decrease or reduce.
Academic institutions, such as public high schools, colleges or universities, which
are apparently under the responsibilities of the state or the government, have not realize
the necessity to supervise the amount of electrical power that they spend because of
the thought that the government shouldered this kind of problem. (J. Reyes) Even if the
government is responsible in providing the needs of the public institutions such as
schools, it is also must be considered that the school administrators should be
practically concern regarding energy consumption because when energy crisis is
encountered, it is not just the government who is greatly affected but also the public
schools themselves. Energy saving and efficiency are not the only concern, the safety
of the students and the teachers from any electrical equipment or anything that could
cause electrical harm must be paid attention. According to the electrical safety policy of
the Centre for Education and Finance Management (CEFM), All staff are fully trained in
the use of any electrical equipment they will be operating. Before working with any
electrical equipment which could give sizeable shocks and/or serious burns, pupils must
be given clear guidance by teachers and or technicians and must be closely supervised.
(Centre for Education and Finance Management, 2013) It was stressed in the policy that
every personnel is necessary to be knowledgeable in using any electrical apparatus so
that they could give precautions towards the students.
Consequently, an energy conservation and efficiency and electrical safety
program is needed to oversee the proper energy usage of the school by cutting huge
energy consumption for the school to save some budget from paying the school’s
electricity bill and in that way also, will insure the safety of the students, teachers and
staff. For this reason, the proponent proposes for the implementation of Energy Patrol
Program that will help the teachers to guide their students towards energy conservation
and efficiency and electrical safety. Under the program, advisers are asked to
recommend two responsible students in their class who can be trusted and need little
supervision in turning on and off the switches and appliances during recess time 9:15 –
9:30 in the morning, lunch time 11:30 – 12:30 noon and dismissal time at 3:30 in the
afternoon. In every level there is a Power Patrol Leader who will check and do their
rounds if the Power Patrol members perform their assigned tasks and keep records of
what classroom lights and appliances are on or off. These Power Patrol Group had
undergone lectures on Energy Conservation and Efficiency and Electrical Safety.
Awards or certificates can be presented to classes that have done a good job of
conserving energy.
Hopefully, the program will give a positive outcome in the energy conservation of
the Marcela T. Mabanta Memorial National Highschool as well as on the safety of the
teachers, students and all the staffs of the school. And it will greatly influence the
students to become a good leader and a citizen, in which they could share to the
community on what they have learned from the program about saving energy and the
safety precautions on electrical equipment that must be observed.
II. LITERATURE REVIEW
Energy is known to exit in a verity of different forms; among these are heat, light,
chemical, electrical, sound, mechanical and nuclear. As a general rule, energy changes
rather easily from on form to another. (Word Press, 2012) The steam driven turbine
generator of power plant is designed to convert heat energy into electrical energy. The
heating system of a building operates by converting the chemical energy of gas or fuel
into a usable form of heat. Electrical energy may also be converted into light, heat or
mechanical energy though the use of different equipment. The capacities of energy to
do work make all of this possible. Energy efficiency plays a critical role in energy policy
debates because meeting our future needs really boils down to only two options:
increasing supply or decreasing demand (kenneth gillingham, 2004). Energy is one of
the important sources around the world, both renewable and non-renewable energy. It
is inevitable to meet such energy crisis, so it must be prevented before it will arrive to
that situation. Since energy has a lot of uses, it must be important to use it correctly and
learned a proper way of energy consumption.
Regions in the world are also practicing electric energy savings education
throughout schools. Some countries, like the Philippines, are under the same process
Honduras, taking of decentralizing the electricity utility. With the purpose of awaking
competition of electricity generation and control the growing electricity demand, the
Philippine Congress has mandated under Republic Act 9136 to educate and protect end
users about the appearance of new providers of electricity, liberalization of the prices of
energy and save electricity in order to have a better control of the national demand.
(Martinez, 2006) Though energy-saving education was not officially discussed through
schools, yet the government wants to give information and for the people to understand
why restructuring the electric sector is important. And the government wants to
encourage and give the people an empowerment to participate regarding on how to
save energy resources, especially electricity. Several countries like Japan have had
experience with electric energy savings education in schools. Such as the Energy
Conservation Center from Japan (ECCJ), they started an Educational Program that
fosters energy conservation activities in their communities. In this program, the ECCJ
started at model schools as their target which these model schools came from their
selection throughout the existing nation-wide primary and junior high schools. What was
include in their activities are both the teachers and the students, these two participants
analyses the changes of their lifestyle over the years of having the availability of
electricity, analysis of local and national environmental problems and evaluating
themselves on how they were able to manage and save electricity on their own houses.
(Energy Conservation Center Japan, 2006)
According to the International Energy Statistics (IES) latest study on Philippine
energy consumption, the total energy usage of the country reaches roughly 1.260
quadrillion British thermal units (Btu). This amount shows that the country’s energy
consumption level is drastically low as it barely makes up 1 percent of the total 199 Btu
total energy consumed by Asia and Oceania. However in Southeast Asia, the
Philippines is positioned at the median of countries in terms of energy utilization
(Moraleda, 2015).
Figure No. 1 Energy Consumption of Establsihments
Image©http://www.canadianinquirer.net/2015/02/06/energy-consumption-in-the-philippines/.
Accessed on August 12, 2017
III.
As shown by the graph above, it was the result of the first National Statistics
Office (NSO) and Department of Energy (DOE) Survey of Energy Consumption of
Establishments (SECE) regulated on the year 2010, the establishments includes
educational institutions and the least of energy resources that was being consumed was
electricity that only reached 3,136.67 kToe (kilotonne of oil equivalent). It seems that the
most used energy sources are fossil fuels like coals and petroleum and the next one are
renewable sources such as fuelwood and charcoal. (Moraleda, 2015) Electricity may be
the least but it is the most used energy in several establishments such schools and
other institutions, since daily activities in schools such as electric fans which are needed
to cool the students, and also for televisions and computer labs for academic purposes.
It is important to consider the conservation and efficiency of energy and the
electrical safety for both the teachers and students. As what Merrilee Harrigan stated in
her article, a school-based energy efficiency program can capture students’ interest in
environmental concerns, and in so doing inspire students to learn while helping the
school reduce energy costs. Students can take on leadership roles as they partner with
faculty and staff to achieve energy savings, increasing students’ confidence and
enthusiasm for solving a real world issue in their school. (Harrigan, 2014) Substantially,
students must include in their discipline the conserving of energy and proper usage of it.
It is the role of the teachers to guide their students and assist them by teaching ways
about proper consumption of energy. Since electricity is the most used energy in a
school, electrical safety must be considered. Just as what the Business and Industry
Today stated in their article about Electrical safety in school that even though accidents
happens in school rarely yet such electrical accidents could happen and electrical
equipment mostly causes the fire or other that is related to electrical accident. (Business
and Industry Today, 2016) Like in computer laboratories, if there is a computer that was
not turned off or shut down, it might experience overheating and causes spark that will
eventually lead into fire, and also in science laboratories, pumps, ovens, power supplies
and other electrical devices can cause electrical shock, if not installed well or does not
have enough electrical maintenance and assistance, which triggers a spark and then
causes fire. As supported by the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering
(EEE), Human safety is an important aspect to be considered in industrial environment,
more particularly electrical safety. Electrical safety can be ensured only by proper
practices and requisite knowledge of the equipment used. To make aware of the various
safety regulations and standards that govern the use of electrical equipment and
industry is of paramount importance. (Department of Electrical
andElectronicsEngineering, 2017)
III. RESEARCH QUESTIONS
The main objective of the study is to identify the outcome of the Energy Patrol
Program towards the energy usage of Marcela T. Mabanta National Highschool. It aims
to answer the following questions:
3.1 What are the problems, regarding the usage of energy, that the Marcela T.
Mabanta Memorial National Highschool has/had encountered before?
3.2. How can the Energy Patrol Program be applied in the Marcela T. Mabanta
Memorial National Highschool?
3.3. What is the outcome of the Energy Patrol Program on the present energy
consumption result of Marcela T. Mabanta Memorial National Highschool?
IV. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
To know the importance of conserving energy and also to give awareness to
both the teachers and the students on the proper usage of energy in Marcela
T. Mabanta Memorial National Highschool.
To examine the various causes of wasted energy and to prevent improper
usage of energy.
To apply and imposed the Energy Patrol Program concerning energy
conservation and to ensure the safety of both the students and the teachers.
To present the result of the methods of energy conservation and show the
comparison of the previous and the present energy consumption.
V. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This study aims to determine the beneficial effects of the implementation of the
energy patrol program to the Marcela T. Mabanta National High School as means of
promoting energy conservation and efficiency and electrical safety. By disseminating
further knowledge about the importance of energy conservation and efficiency and
electrical safety to the particular school and to other schools, local communities, and/or
buildings that may be inspired to do the same; not only will this program contribute by
saving energy, but also by giving electrical safety measures towards the students and
the teachers. This program assists the students, faculty, and staff to practice proper
usage of energy, decreases the cost of electricity and, at the same time, provides safety
for everyone.
VI. SCOPE AND LIMITATION
The study will be conducted within the vicinity of the Marcela T. Mabanta Memorial
National Highschool, (MTMNHS), Libertad, Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte The primary
aim for this study is to manage and supervise the power usage of the school and to
provide safety awareness to the teachers and students. In order to find out the effect of
the Energy Patrol Program on the total energy consumption of the school, it will
compare the previous electricity bill to the recent electricity bill when the program is
implemented. Under the program, there will be guidelines about the lightings,
temperature control, on the use of computer and other electronics, and lastly, electrical
safety tips. The Energy Patrol Program or EPP will start as soon as it is implemented.
The advisers and other staff would be held responsible in assisting the students
regarding the guidelines of the program.
VII. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Prior to the implementation of the program, a research proposal will be submitted
to the
VIII. SAMPLING
Under the program, there will be a daily task given by the advisers of each year
level to the Patrol leaders along with their Patrol members. These students will do
rounds and checks if there is any lightings or appliances that is either on or off. And
there will be another two students at most, that will be assigned to turn off the lightings
and appliances during recess time. Below is the table showing the electricity bill of
Marcela T. Mabanta Memorial National Highschool from the three consecutive months
of June until August, 2017:
Table 1
Electricity Bill of the School
Electricity Bill of Marcela T. Mabanta Memorial National Highschool from June-
August 2017
Month Total Payment of Electricity Payment
June Php 5,974.38
July Php 8,871.70
August Php 12, 035.91
As presented by the table above, the electricity bill of the school increases from
June until August. Before the implementation, monthly energy consumption records
such as the electricity will still be recorded and the daily consumption of energy power in
the school such as the electricity will be observed.
IX. DATA COLLECTION
The program will be implemented after the research proposal is officially approve
by the assistant secretary/assistant regional director. After the proposal has been
approved, the program will be imposed. But before the program would be implemented,
the outcome of the previous electric bills would be recorded and certain activities that
include energy consumption will be observed.
Figure 2 presents the Data Flow Diagram of the Research Procedure of this study.
Figure 2. Data Flow Diagram of the Research Procedure
X. PLAN FOR DATA ANALYSIS
The study requires quantitative, qualitative and comparative method. Since in this
study, quantitative method is apparent through the use of statistical analysis of data
while qualitative method will be utilized in collecting data by the observation towards the
students’ behaviour in following the guidelines that are given under the Energy Patrol
Program, if implemented.
The following are the different guidelines about Energy Conservation and Efficiency and
Electrical Safety:
GUIDELINES ON LIGHTING
1. Turn off lights during recess time, lunch time and at the end of the day.
2. Unplug equipment after use when applicable.
3. As much as possible, keep windows unobstructed to allow the entry of natural light.
Curtains or blinds may be partially opened to counteract the effect of heat from the sun.
4. Maximize the use of natural light. If sunlight is enough to illuminate the room, please
avoid using the overhead lights.
5. Report flickering or dimming light bulbs immediately to help ensure that all light
fixtures are operating at their full potential. Clean light bulbs and diffusers of dust and
cobwebs regularly to fully optimize expected illumination.
6. Use energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and light-emitting diode
(LED) bulbs.
GUIDELINES ON TEMPERATURE CONTROL
1. Maximize the use of natural ventilation as much as possible. Open all windows during
regular hours.
2. Use less consumptive ways of cooling such as electric fans, whenever possible.
GUIDELINES ON THE USE OF COMPUTERS AND OTHER ELECTRONICS
1. Use energy-saving settings for computers and other peripherals such as
photocopying machines, printers, scanners, etc. This will allow such equipment to
switch to power saving mode after long periods of inactivity.
2. Religiously practice CLAYGO for appliances
a. UNPLUG, NOT JUST SHUT OFF/DOWN ELECTRONICS AT THE END OF THE
DAY. Most electronics still consume electricity even if they are turned off but remain
plugged.
b. Make sure that all computers and LCD projectors are switched off and unplugged
when not in use for long periods of time.
3. Students are not allowed to charge their cellphones, tablets and laptops except if it is
needed for the use related to their studies.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY TIPS
1. Never stick your fingers or any object into an electrical outlet or light bulb socket.
2. Keep fingers and other objects out of small appliances, such as toasters, even if the
appliance is off.
3. Never use an appliance near a sink, bathtub or other source of water.
4. Keep electrical wires and appliance cords away from sources of heat.
5. Keep electrical cords away from sinks, bathtubs and other sources of water.
6. Never touch any electrical appliance or device, such as a light switch if you are
touching water.
7. Never pull an electric plug out of the wall outlet by yanking on the electric cord.
8. Unplug an electrical appliance before cleaning it.
9. Never use any electrical appliance if you are wet.
10. If you see a worn, frayed or damaged electrical cord, tell an adult immediately.
11. Do not climb trees that are near power lines or have power lines running through
them.
12. If you are flying a kite, or have Mylar or helium-filled balloons on strings, make sure
to keep away from power lines. If the kite line or balloon strings are tangled in power
lines, the electricity can travel down the line and cause a shock or start a fire.
13. Never go swimming during an electrical storm.
14. If you see something stuck or tangled in a power line, have an adult call the power
company. Never try to remove the item from the power lines yourself.
15. Do not climb utility poles.
16. Keep away from electric substations.
17. Do not climb on fences around electric substations.
18. If you see a fallen electrical wire, stay away from it. Have an adult call the power
company to report the downed wire.
19. Be careful to avoid touching overhead electrical wires if you are carrying a long
object such as a pool skimmer or ladder.
20. Never throw objects, such as sneakers, at or onto electric power lines.
21. Never touch a power line with any part of your body or any object.
22. Never fly model airplanes or remote controlled airplanes or helicopters near
overhead power lines. Play with them in open areas such as parks or fields.
23. Never go into an electric substation for any reason. If a pet has gone into the area,
do not try to get it yourself. Have an adult call the power company.
24. Do not hang signs or banners on electric utility poles.
25. If a friend, family member or pet is in contact with a downed electrical line or any
type of electrical equipment, call the power company immediately.
26. If you are operating an electrical tool, using an electrical appliance or playing with an
electrical toy outside, stay at least 10 feet away from any wet surface or swimming pool.
27. Do not touch any electrical tools, appliances or toys if you are wet, standing in a
puddle or are in a pool
XI. WORK PLAN AND TIMETABLE
Table 2 presents the work plan of the research. It shows the objectives, activities,
time frame, persons responsible and output of the research.
Table 2
Work Plan of the Research
OBJECTIVES ACTIVITIES TIME PERSONS OUTPUT
FRAME RESPONS
IBLE
To determine the Citing the key Proponent Rationale of
key points which points which are the study
are the fundamentals of
fundamentals of the research and
the general the general
findings of the findings of other
research related studies
To formulate the Formulating the Proponent Research
research questions research questions
questions
To determine the Determining the Proponent Scope &
scope & limitation scope & limitation of the
limitation study
To state the Stating the Proponent Research
research research methodology
methodology methodology
To record the Sampling/ Proponent Receipts of
previous monthly Presenting the electricity bills
electricity previous of the school
consumption electricity bill of
payment of the the school
school
To implement the Implementation Proponent Electricity bill
Energy Patrol of the EPP, an & all result during
Program intervention advisers and after the
implementation
of the program
To be able to Collecting the Proponent Data gathered
gather accurate data
data
To analyze the Analyzing the Proponent Results of the
data correctly data study
To conduct Conduct of Proponent Program/matrix
successful dissemination/ad
dissemination of vocacy
the research
findings
XII. References:
Business and Industry Today. (2016, May 16). Electrical Saftey in Schools. Retrieved
August 17, 2017, from http://www.businessandindustrytoday.co.uk/electrical-
safety-in-schools/
Centre for Education and Finance Management. (2013, July). Electrical Safety Policy.
Retrieved August 24, 2017, from Centre for Education and Finance Management:
http://www.jkhs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/PM_electrical_safety.pdf
Crosby, Kate. (2013). Powering Down: A Toolkit for Behavior-Based Energy
Conservation In K-12 Schools. United States of America.
Department of Electrical andElectronicsEngineering. (2017, April). National Workshop
on Energy Conservation and Electrical Safety. Retrieved August 24, 2017, from
http://www.psgtech.edu/EC&ES%20PSG%20Brochure_2017.pdf
Energy Conservation Center Japan. (2006). Energy Conservation Center Japan.
Retrieved August 22, 2017, from http://www.eccj.or.jp/eng/e3405education.html
Harrigan, M. (2014, November 23). Southeast Education Network. Retrieved August 17,
2017, from http://www.seenmagazine.us/
J. Reyes, M. R. (n.d.). How to Conduct an Energy Audit: A Short Guide for Local
Governments and Communities. New Jersey: Department of Environmental
Protection Division of Science, Research and technology.
kenneth gillingham, r. n. (2004). The Effectiveness and Cost of Energy Efficiency
Programs. RFF Resources, 22-25.
Martinez, J. J. (2006). Electric Energy-Saving Education Guidelines for Senior High
School Students in Honduras. Pennsylvania: University of Pennsylvania.
Moraleda, J. (2015, February 6). Philippine Canadian Inquirer. Retrieved August 8,
2017, from http://www.canadianinquirer.net/2015/02/06/energy-consumption-in-
the-philippines/
National Academy Press. (1995). Environmental Health and Safety. Retrieved August
17, 2017, from https://ehs.research.uiowa.edu/electrical-safety-laboratory
Word Press. (2012, November 30). Directory Science. Retrieved August 17, 2017, from
http://www.directoryscience.com/blog/the-importance-of-energy/
ENERGY PATROL PROGRAM: A SOLUTION TOWARDS ENERGY
CONSERVATION AND EFFICIENCY AND ELECTRICAL SAFETY IN
MARCELA T. MABANTA MEMORIAL NATIONAL HIGHSCHOOL
A Research Proposal
Marcela T. Mabanta National High School
Libertad, Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte
TABLE OF COTENTS
Page
Title Page i
Table of Contents ii
Introduction 1
Literature Review 3
Research Questions 7
Objective of the Study 8
Significance of the Study 8
Scope and Limitation 9
Research Methodology 9
Sampling 10
Data Collection 11
Plan for Data Analysis 11
Timetable/Gantt Chart 16
References 17
