PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications Inc. have teamed up with MPower, the retail electricity supply arm of Meralco, to register 144 cell sites and 9 facilities under the Energy Regulatory Commission’s Retail Aggregation Program (RAP).
“Our Group has always believed that national progress depends on two essential foundations: reliable power and strong digital connectivity,” said Manuel V. Pangilinan, chair and CEO of PLDT, Smart, and Meralco. “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.”
Pangilinan added that the collaboration reflects the companies’ ongoing effort to align their resources and capabilities to serve customers better through more dependable power and connectivity.
The transition into RAP through MPower covers a total demand of more than 2,500 kilowatts across PLDT’s integrated network. Additional RAP implementations in Visayas and Mindanao are expected before the year ends.
RAP allows end-users to combine multiple accounts within a franchise area and purchase power in bulk from licensed retail electricity suppliers. This setup can help lower electricity costs, improve control over energy use, and give businesses access to flexible energy solutions, competitive rates, and renewable energy sources.
“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 Menardo “Butch” Jimenez Jr., COO and head of Network at PLDT.
PLDT and Smart have been gradually shifting to renewable energy. In 2024, they switched 30 sites, 24 in Metro Manila and six in Mindanao, to 100% renewable sources. In 2023, they began using geothermal energy in five network facilities in the Visayas.
“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 Redel Domingo, FVP and head of MPower.
Follow Back End News on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, YouTube, and TikTok for updates and in-depth coverage across the tech and security landscape.