The Department of Energy (DOE) is preparing a new department circular that would require buildings and other properties with parking spaces to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.
During an interview on DZRH's Dos Por Dos, DOE Undersecretary Mario Marasigan said the proposed policy would require at least 10% of parking slots in condominiums and similar properties to be equipped with registered and inspected EV charging stations.
“Tayo po ay may binabalangkas na panibagong department circular. Actually po nakapag-conduct na kami nito ng mga public consultation kung saan po sa madaling panahon magre-require po ang Department of Energy ng mandatory installation ng charging station sa lahat na merong mga parking spaces,” Marasigan said.
“10% po ng parking slots nila dapat may mga charging stations registered, inspected at nakalista po sa department,” he added.
Marasigan said the measure is part of the government’s efforts to expand the country’s EV charging infrastructure and ensure that charging facilities comply with safety standards.
Meanwhile, he also emphasized that EV models,including electric scooters, as well as charging stations and charging units must be registered with the agency to ensure compliance with safety and installation standards.
Marasigan said the registration requirement covers not only commercial charging stations but also the EV models and chargers being sold to consumers.
“Mayron po tayong polisiya tungkol po sa lahat hindi lamang po tungkol sa mga electric vehicles, kasama na po ang mga electric scooter, pati po ‘yung mga electric charging station. Lahat po ‘yan ay dapat nakarehistro sa Department of Energy,” Marasigan said.
Marasigan said the DOE has established standards and parameters that must be followed before a charging station is installed and before chargers are used.
He said the regulations are intended to ensure that EV equipment passes safety standards and follows proper procedures to prevent hazards, including fires linked to unregulated or improperly used chargers.
“Ang unang-una po diyan ang pinoproteksyunan po natin ay dapat 'yun pong pumasa sa mga standards. Pangalawa, lumalabas po ay pinakaimportante ay 'yun nga pong safety procedures at safety aspect ng mga chargers,” Marasigan said.
He urged consumers to avoid purchasing chargers from unauthorized sources, saying only registered units with the appropriate DOE and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) markings should be used.
“Kaya nga po sinasabi natin, huwag silang basta-basta bibili ng mga charger na available kung saan-saan lamang,” he stressed.
Marasigan's remarks came after a fire broke out Tuesday, Sept. 15, at Road 18 Extension in Barangay Bahay Toro, Quezon City, killing four members of a family who were trapped inside their townhouse. The fire was believed to have been caused by a charging electric scooter.
Marasigan said the registration requirement also applies to chargers that come with electric vehicles, particularly four-wheel EVs.
He said the specific charging unit included with an EV must have a registered model before it can be used in the country.
