Corinthian Gardens Homeowners Association (HOA) has signed a Retail Supply Contract (RSC) with Mabuhay Energy Corporation (MECO), marking what the company described as the Philippines’ first comprehensive, community-wide transition to a Retail Electricity Supplier (RES) under the Retail Aggregation Program (RAP).

Unlike standard retail supply contracts that typically serve commercial or industrial customers, the agreement aggregates residential properties, administrative facilities, and recreational hubs under one community-wide electricity supply arrangement.

In simple terms, RAP allows qualified customers within a group or community to combine their electricity demand so they can participate in the competitive retail electricity market and choose a power supplier.

The ceremonial signing was attended by executives from MECO, Corinthian Gardens HOA board members, and representatives from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP), and Manila Electric Company (Meralco).

The agreement was initiated by Corinthian Gardens board member Wellington Kho, whose partnership with MECO began in 2023 through his commercial malls, office spaces, and Jollibee franchises.

“Today marks an important milestone for Corinthian Gardens,” Corinthian Gardens HOA President Zarina W. Jorge said.

“This agreement represents our shared commitment to innovation and responsible stewardship. As your HOA’s President, I am proud that Corinthian Gardens continues to seek opportunities that directly benefit our residents,” she added.

Jorge said the partnership with MECO is a step toward a more efficient energy future while ensuring that the interests of homeowners remain at the center of every decision.

MECO Executive Chairman Sherwin G. Hing thanked the HOA board for its trust and confidence, while also recognizing the support of ERC, IEMOP, and Meralco in MECO’s retail electricity journey.

“To the ERC, the IEMOP, and our partner distribution utility, MERALCO: Your support and continued collaboration have been instrumental in MECO’s journey,” Hing said.

Sheryl A. Castro, senior assistant vice president and head of Meralco’s Competitive Market Group, said the agreement shows that the vision behind retail aggregation is becoming a reality.

“This is not merely a group of customers switching suppliers—this is proof that the vision behind Retail Aggregation is becoming a reality,” Castro said.

She added that the milestone demonstrates how regulators, retail electricity suppliers, distribution utilities, and customers can work together to create solutions that deliver value, choice, and innovation.

IEMOP Corporate Planning and Communications Manager Arjon B. Valencia said the signing reflects the industry’s readiness for the next chapter of the electricity market.

He added that the agreement highlights the confidence of retail suppliers in delivering innovative energy solutions, as well as the willingness of consumers to actively participate in shaping the future of the electricity market.

Energy Regulatory Commission Market Operations Service Director Sharon O. Montañer said the shift gives households a more active role in choosing their electricity supplier.

“For the longest time, households were passive consumers—without a say in where their power came from or how it was priced. Today, that narrative changes,” Montañer said.

“By stepping into the competitive market, you gain the power to shop around, compare terms, and select a partner that truly aligns with your community’s needs,” she added.

MECO and Corinthian Gardens said the community-wide switch sets a precedent for residential estates, with the partnership positioned to support more competitive electricity rates, localized services, and greater consumer empowerment in the residential sector.

Can retail aggregation give more residential communities access to supplier choice in the competitive electricity market?

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