COREnergy, the retail electricity arm of Vivant Energy, said it is preparing for a new wave of competition in the power market as the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) moves to expand open access to more Filipino enterprises.

During a media lunch discussion, COREnergy President Francis Del Val described the forthcoming Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) threshold reduction to 100 kilowatts by June 2026 as a “turning point” for the industry that will grant thousands of businesses greater control over their electricity costs.

“This is about energy freedom,” Del Val said. “For the first time, smaller companies—schools, hospitals, and mid-sized firms—will be able to choose who supplies their power and how they manage it.”

He said COREnergy’s recent brand refresh reflects the company’s readiness for this policy shift, thus positioning it as a strategic partner rather than a traditional power provider. The company aims to make electricity “simple, smart, and seamless” through flexible supply options and real-time data tools.

COREnergy currently serves about 30 clients but expects to double that number by 2025 and reach 120 to 150 customers by 2026. It targets a 5% retail market share by 2030, supported by Vivant Energy’s generation assets and additional renewable-energy partnerships.

Marko Sarmiento, Head of Sales, said COREnergy’s focus is on transparency and flexibility—qualities smaller consumers will need once open access widens. “We’re preparing for a market where competition is about service, not just price,” he said.

COREnergy’s MyPower Platform allows clients to track consumption in five-minute intervals, compare costs with previous utility bills, and identify savings opportunities. The company’s customized retail plans—such as the Sunshine Plan and Day & Night Plan—have collectively saved clients around PHP 300 million since 2022.

Del Val added that the ERC’s RCOA expansion could open the market to roughly 12,000 new contestable customers, reshaping how electricity is bought and sold. “This is the start of a more democratized energy sector,” he said. “Our role is to make that freedom work for every business that chooses it.”

How can open-access policies and smarter energy services reshape the future of Philippine businesses?

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