Energy-Saving Device Scams Proliferate Amid Mindoro Power Crisis

As residents of Mindoro continue to deal with frequent power outages, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has issued a stern warning against fraudulent energy-saving devices flooding the market.

The island, which has suffered from persistent brownouts for years due to insufficient power supply infrastructure, has become fertile ground for scammers marketing unverified “miracle” devices that allegedly reduce electricity consumption, reports said.

During a recent broadcast of “Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas,” DTI Occidental Mindoro Provincial Director Noel Flores categorically dismissed these products as fraudulent.

“That’s fake news,” Flores bluntly said, describing how these devices are typically used as adapters that claim to lower the electricity consumption of connected appliances.

Flores revealed a disturbing trend where sellers present counterfeit certifications allegedly issued by government agencies such as the DTI or the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to bolster their claims of legitimacy.

This isn’t the first time authorities have confronted this issue.

In 2022, the Department of Energy (DOE) issued a similar advisory after scammers used manipulated videos featuring the department to endorse these products.

“Please be informed that the video is intentionally spliced and edited to deceive our energy consumers and promote their personal interests,” the DOE noted at the time, while also confirming that technical evaluations proved these devices ineffective.

For Mindoro residents seeking genuine solutions to their electricity woes, Flores recommended considering solar panel installations where permitted by their electric coop.

“Saving energy depends on the consumer,” he noted, stressing the importance of legitimate energy-saving approaches.

Reports bared that the proliferation of these fraudulent devices surfaces amid Mindoro’s ongoing power crisis, where some areas experience daily brownouts lasting several hours.

The island’s isolation from the main Luzon grid has made it particularly vulnerable to power supply issues, with diesel generators serving as the primary source of electricity for many municipalities.

In response to these scams, DTI is intensifying its consumer protection efforts through radio programs, community training, and consumer advocacy activities.

DTI urges consumers to verify product certifications directly with government offices before making purchases.

(file photo: used for illustration purposes only)