The Baguio Water District (BWD) has allocated a total of Php6.7M for the installation of solar-powered street lights across its various facilities in Baguio City and parts of Benguet.

This is in line with the continuing program to upgrade the District’s equipment and to venture into renewable energy.

According to BWD General Manager Engr. Salvador M. Royeca, the project involved the installation of solar lamp posts in 26 major BWD facilities, primarily for perimeter lighting to enhance facility security and reduce power consumption.

“Investing in these new solar facilities is crucial to the operation of the District, particularly in providing a working environment for our personnel during nighttime and, of course, to reduce the expenses on BWD’s monthly electric bills,” GM Royeca said. He added that the solar lights are particularly valuable during unscheduled power interruptions.

BWD’s shift to renewable energy is aligned with its commitment to address climate change, particularly in reducing carbon emissions and supporting long-term environmental sustainability and energy security.

The project began in October 2024 and was completed on May 8, 2025. Under the terms of the contract, the supplier provided a two-year warranty and free service for all installed components.

Among the facilities that now benefit from solar lighting are the Sto. Tomas Rain Basin, KM. 8 Reservoir, Irisan Pumping Stations, and Amparo deepwells, among others. BWD’s electricity expenses typically range between Php15 million to around Php19 million monthly, making energy-efficient upgrades a key strategy in managing operational costs.