PLDT Inc. and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. have partnered with MPower, the local retail electricity supplier of Meralco, to register a total of 153 sites under the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) Retail Aggregation Program (RAP).
The initiative covers 144 cell sites and nine facilities across PLDT and Smart’s network with a combined demand of over 2,500 kilowatts. The move is expected to reduce electricity costs, improve energy management, and enhance sustainability efforts for the telecommunications group.
“Our Group has always believed that national progress depends on two essential foundations: reliable power and strong digital connectivity. One cannot function without the other — hand in glove, so to speak — and both are critical to ensuring that our people — especially those in the margins — have access to opportunity,” said PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan.
“This is why this collaboration is consequential, because it reflects our continued effort to align our resources and capabilities, to serve our customers better with reliable and consistent power and connectivity,” he added.
The Retail Aggregation Program enables companies to pool multiple accounts under the same franchise area and source electricity in bulk from licensed suppliers, giving them access to lower rates and flexible power solutions, including renewables.
“As we future proof our network to deliver 5G and AI capabilities to our customers, we are also mindful of the cost to operate the network and our impact to the environment,” said PLDT Chief Operating Officer Menardo “Butch” G. Jimenez, Jr.
“This partnership with MPower will allow us to operate a smarter and greener network and manage our energy costs, all in a manner that is more kind to the planet,” he said.
Smart Chief Operating Officer Anastacio “Boy” R. Martirez said the partnership aligns with their mission to offer reliable service: “As we scale up our 5G network, Smart welcomes this partnership with MPower, as it supports our goal of delivering simply reliable service that our customers can count on.”
The RAP registration builds on PLDT and Smart’s wider transition to cleaner energy. In 2024, 30 sites across Metro Manila and Mindanao were switched to 100% renewable energy. In 2023, geothermal power was tapped for five facilities in the Visayas.
“MPower is proud to support PLDT and Smart in this transformative journey. Our energy solutions are designed to accelerate operational efficiency while supporting the country’s energy transition through championing consumer choice in the power market,” said MPower First Vice President and Head Redel M. Domingo.
PLDT has also secured P5 billion in green loans to finance its fiber expansion and reduce the carbon footprint of its nationwide rollout. The company targets a 40% reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 based on a 2019 baseline, supporting the global Net Zero goal by 2050.
Outgoing ERC Chairperson and CEO Monalisa Dimalanta said the partnership sends a powerful signal to the energy market.
“To see PLDT and Smart backed by Meralco and MPower — names that have become ubiquitous and integral to the daily lives of Filipinos — embrace RAP sends a very strong message,” Dimalanta said.
“For one, it tells the country that even the biggest players with the widest reach and deepest roots can make courageous decisions in support of a more open, inclusive and competitive energy market,” she added.