Jin Navitas Electric Corporation (JNEC) and Manila Ocean Park formally signed a Retail Electricity Supply Agreement aimed at providing the marine-themed attraction with electricity supply backed partly by renewable energy sources.

The ceremonial signing was held on May 25 at Hotel H2O within Manila Ocean Park in Manila.

During the event, JNEC President and CEO Jose Alfonso “Alfie” Miras described the agreement as a long-term partnership rather than a short-term supply arrangement.

“So as we always say to our new member of the family, JNEC, we are here not just for one year of contract,” Miras said. “We’re always looking for partnership. We want to ensure that you and our company is here for long term.”

Miras also highlighted the potential cost advantage of JNEC’s electricity supply compared to traditional distribution utility rates.

“I think if you look at the rate now… you’re getting at least three pesos discount versus a [standard] DU,” he said.

According to Miras, Manila Ocean Park’s electricity demand profile aligns well with solar generation because much of its energy consumption occurs during daytime operations.

He said a significant portion of the facility’s supply will come from JNEC’s renewable energy portfolio, including Ningning rooftop solar projects and ground-mounted solar installations.

“Well, because Ningning is typically daytime users. That’s the 100% supply. Ningning plus the other ground mounted installation,” Miras said.

Miras added that nighttime demand would still partly rely on electricity sourced from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), although JNEC is studying battery energy storage integration for future supply requirements.

“So maybe as of now, nothing yet. In the second year of this contract, if this will extend to other years, we can apply our supply coming from batteries,” he said.

Beyond the Manila Ocean Park agreement, Miras also discussed JNEC and Solaris’ broader renewable energy expansion plans.

He said Solaris currently has around 300 megawatts (MW) of solar capacity either contracted or under construction, with another 500 MW in active development stages.

Among the projects highlighted was a 62-MW solar development in Iloilo, which Miras said could become one of the largest solar facilities in Panay once operational.

Meanwhile, Manila Ocean Park Operations Director Jonnel Nicolas said the company is continuing expansion and redevelopment efforts across several properties.

“We also have the Cebu Ocean Park. We also have upcoming property in Boracay,” Nicolas said.

He added that Manila Ocean Park is also planning developments in Tagaytay and Makati, expressing hope that JNEC could support those future projects as well.

Nicolas said the company continues to focus on improving the sustainability and long-term growth of its operations.

As more businesses seek stable and potentially lower electricity costs, will renewable-backed retail electricity supply become a more common option for commercial establishments in the Philippines?

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