The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has announced a temporary exemption for diesel generating sets (gensets) that have not yet transitioned to clean fuel from the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) restrictions in the National Capital Region (NCR). These gen-sets, lacking emission control devices, are permitted to operate for emergency purposes until December 31, 2023, provided they adhere strictly to the outlined emission control measures.
The revised schedule for diesel genset operation, effective from October 1, has been postponed. This exemption applies to gensets used for critical services such as elevators, medical facilities, railways, airports, sewage treatment plants, and more. However, gensets used in these emergency services must have appropriate emission control mechanisms in place by December 31, 2023, to avoid legal consequences.
The CAQM’s decision follows opposition from Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) in the NCR, who protested the initial complete ban on diesel gen-sets under this year’s GRAP.