Coca-Cola, AboitizPower Spark Energy Shift In Mindanao

As the Philippines advances toward a more open and competitive electricity market, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Philippines (CCEAP) is taking full advantage of the opportunity to reshape its energy future—starting in Mindanao.

Through AboitizPower’s AdventEnergy, Coca-Cola gains access to customized energy solutions that support sustainability and business efficiency goals. I Photo: AboitizPower

The global beverage giant has partnered with AboitizPower’s retail arm, AdventEnergy, under the Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) scheme, delivering a model for sustainable and cost-efficient manufacturing in the country’s southern region.

The Power to Choose

Enabled by the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), RCOA gives qualified electricity end-users—those with a peak demand of 500 kW or higher—the freedom to select their own electricity provider.

For CCEAP, the switch meant not only greater control over energy costs but also a strategic leap toward environmental responsibility.

CCEAP transitioned three of its major production facilities in Mindanao—Misamis Oriental, Davao City, and Davao Del Sur—into the competitive retail electricity market.

The company is also planning to onboard its Zamboanga facility soon, making it one of the pioneers of RCOA in the region.

“As a total beverage company, the reliability of energy supply is critical to our operations,” said Frank Garcia, Vice President for Supply Chain at CCEAP. “We are committed to refreshing the Philippines and making a difference—and that includes taking bold steps toward energy sustainability.”

A Partnership Built on Performance

To meet its energy needs, Coca-Cola selected AdventEnergy, the retail electricity supply unit of AboitizPower, citing alignment in mission, reliable service, and value-added solutions.

AdventEnergy powers not only the company’s Mindanao operations but also five additional production plants across Luzon and the Visayas.

“AdventEnergy stood out with its hands-on support during the switching process,” shared Arline Janine Octavo, Category Manager for Raw Materials at CCEAP.

“Beyond competitive rates and flexible contracts, they provide advanced analytics and real-time monitoring that allow us to optimize operations and track energy use with precision.”

This partnership highlights the increasingly critical role of data-driven energy solutions in modern manufacturing.

AdventEnergy’s offerings include smart metering, hybrid energy portfolios, and power audits, which enable large industrial players to reduce costs, enhance efficiency, and meet regulatory standards.

RCOA in Mindanao: A First-Mover Advantage

Although RCOA was launched in Luzon and Visayas in 2013, it only became commercially available in Mindanao in March 2024. For Gina David-Camacho, AboitizPower’s Vice President for Retail Energy Sales, Solutions, and Services, CCEAP’s early adoption signals a promising shift.

“We are proud to be among the first RES players to make an impact in Mindanao,” said David-Camacho.

“Serving an iconic brand like Coca-Cola shows how our customized and value-adding energy solutions are enabling businesses to thrive.”

The move also illustrates how policy reforms like EPIRA can translate into real benefits for the business community. According to the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), contestable customers saved an estimated ₱18.57 billion in 2024 alone through the RCOA mechanism.

The ERC aims to reduce the eligibility threshold from 500 kilowatts to just 100 kilowatts by 2027—eventually opening the doors to households and smaller enterprises.

Driving Toward a Renewable Future

CCEAP’s engagement with RCOA and AdventEnergy is part of a larger ambition.

The company’s clean energy roadmap includes transitioning to 100% renewable energy, boosting energy efficiency, and forming strategic partnerships to support its sustainability goals.

“Renewable energy is a long-term plan for us,” Garcia emphasized. “It’s integral to our growth strategy and sustainability commitments. Through collaborations like this, we believe we’re contributing to a stronger, greener energy infrastructure in the Philippines.”

The Bigger Picture

As more corporations explore their power options under RCOA, the experience of CCEAP and AboitizPower offers a compelling case study. It underscores how private sector innovation and regulatory mechanisms can work hand-in-hand to unlock energy security, sustainability, and cost-efficiency.

By embracing its power to choose, Coca-Cola is not just bottling beverages—it’s helping bottle up a cleaner, smarter energy future for the country.