^{In photo (L-R): Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines President and Chief Executive Officer Richard Nethercott, Smart Chief Operating Officer Anastacio R. Martirez, PLDT Chief Operating Officer Menardo G. Jimenez, Meralco First Vice President and MPower Head Redel M. Domingo, MPower Retail Sales Head Eddie John V. Adug and outgoing ERC Chairperson and CEO Monalisa Dimalanta}

PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications, Inc. have teamed up with MPower, the local retail electricity arm of Meralco, to register 153 of their network sites under the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) Retail Aggregation Program (RAP)—a move that strengthens their transition to more efficient and sustainable energy use. The development was announced by the Presidential Communications Office.

The agreement covers 144 cell sites and nine facilities with a combined demand of over 2,500 kW, as part of PLDT Group’s broader strategy to optimize energy usage across its digital infrastructure. Additional RAP activations are planned for sites in the Visayas and Mindanao before the year ends.

“Our Group has always believed that national progress depends on two essential foundations: reliable power and strong digital connectivity,” said Manuel V. Pangilinan, Chairman and CEO of PLDT, Smart, and Meralco. “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.”

RAP allows businesses to consolidate multiple electricity accounts under one franchise area and source power in bulk from licensed suppliers, reducing electricity costs and enabling access to renewable energy.

“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,” said PLDT COO and Head of Network Menardo “Butch” G. Jimenez, Jr.

Smart COO Anastacio “Boy” R. Martirez added, “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.”

PLDT and Smart’s RAP engagement builds on previous milestones: in 2024, 30 of their sites were switched to 100% renewable energy, while in 2023, geothermal energy powered five network facilities in the Visayas. The companies have also secured ₱5 billion in green loans to fund their fiber rollout and reduce carbon emissions.

MPower First Vice President and Head Redel M. Domingo said, “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.”

Outgoing ERC Chairperson and CEO Monalisa Dimalanta remarked, “To see PLDT and Smart backed by Meralco and MPower… embrace RAP sends a very strong message. For one, it tells the country that even the biggest players… can make courageous decisions in support of a more open, inclusive and competitive energy market.”

The PLDT Group aims to reduce its Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030 (from 2019 levels), in support of global net-zero goals by 2050.

**What are your thoughts on large telcos adopting bulk renewable energy sourcing under RAP? Join the conversation and share how this shift could impact the broader energy and ICT landscape.**

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