The SM Group is accelerating its shift toward sustainability by sourcing renewable energy for its educational institutions through a newly signed partnership with AdventPower Inc., the retail electricity supply arm of Aboitiz Power Corporation.

Under the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) Retail Aggregation Program (RAP), the SM Group is consolidating the electricity needs of Asia Pacific College (APC) and National University (NU) and sourcing power collectively from AdventPower. This marks the conglomerate’s first RAP contract and reflects its long-term commitment to green and responsible energy practices.

The initiative allows SM to streamline energy consumption across its schools while reducing environmental impact, supporting the broader goal of sustainable operations within the group’s property, commercial, and education arms.

“By securing access to more reliable power, we allow our affiliate schools to focus on what matters most — educating and shaping tomorrow's leaders,” SMPHI Chief Finance Officer John Ong said.

“This partnership reflects our drive to contribute to a more inclusive and resilient energy future.”

The Retail Aggregation Program is one of ERC’s customer choice mechanisms that enables multiple end-users — such as school networks, office branches, or facilities within the same franchise area — to pool their demand and contract a Retail Electricity Supplier (RES) of their choice. It empowers customers to choose cleaner, cost-effective energy sources tailored to their needs.

AdventPower will provide renewable energy under this agreement, customized to the operational requirements of SM’s educational facilities.

“SM offers dynamic spaces serving millions of Filipino families, students, and businesses daily,” AdventPower President James Yu said.

“Our expanded partnership, through the power of choice, ensures we create the right electricity products that best suit the operational needs of our customers and allow them to access clean energy sources.”

ERC Chairperson and CEO Atty. Monalisa Dimalanta, who attended the ceremonial signing, encouraged more companies and institutions to explore RAP and other customer choice programs.

“What good would you like your choice today to contribute? What service does your choice make in our nation’s evolving energy journey?” she said.

“In that power of choice lies the promise of a future where learning thrives, innovation gains momentum, and opportunities multiply — for our students, our communities, and our entire nation.”

As the first step in what is expected to be a broader rollout across other SM facilities, the agreement not only strengthens the group’s sustainability roadmap but also sets an example for other large enterprises to follow.

According to the ERC, Aboitiz Power accounts for the largest share of actual retail electricity demand in the country at 28.07 percent. Through AdventPower, the group continues to support high-impact partners like SM in transitioning to smarter, more sustainable energy solutions.