PLDT, Smart, And MPower Join Forces to Power Up More Cell Sites

PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and its wireless arm, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), have partnered with MPower, Meralco’s local retail electricity supplier, to activate 144 cell sites and 9 facilities under the Energy Regulatory Commission's (ERC) Retail Aggregation Program (RAP).

TOWARD A SMARTER, GREENER NETWORK. PLDT and Smart have signed a landmark agreement with MPower to shift 153 sites under the Retail Aggregation Program (RAP), promoting cleaner and more efficient energy use. (Illustrator: Riz)

"Our Group has always believed that national progress depends on two essential foundations: reliable power and strong digital connectivity. 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,” said Manuel V. Pangilinan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer 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."

PLDT and Smart’s transition into the RAP through MPower’s energy solutions cover a total demand of over 2,500 kW across the PLDT Group’s integrated network.

Additional RAP implementations across more sites in Visayas and Mindanao are targeted for rollout before the year ends.

RAP offers end-users a smarter way to manage their energy requirements by allowing them to aggregate multiple accounts under the same franchise area and purchase power in bulk from licensed retail electricity suppliers.

In photo (L–R): IEMOP President & CEO Richard Nethercott, Smart COO Anastacio R. Martirez, PLDT COO Menardo G. Jimenez, Meralco FVP and MPower Head Redel M. Domingo, MPower Retail Sales Head Eddie John V. Adug, and outgoing ERC Chairperson & CEO Monalisa Dimalanta.

This setup enables reduction of electricity costs and better control over energy use across different facilities. RAP also gives businesses access to competitive rates, flexible energy solutions, and renewable energy sources, helping them operate more efficiently.

“As we future proof our network to deliver 5G and AI capabilities to our customers, we are also mindful of the cost to operate the network and our impact to the environment.  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 Chief Operating Officer and Head of Network Menardo “Butch” G. Jimenez, Jr.

“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,” said Smart Chief Operating Officer Anastacio “Boy” R. Martirez.

PLDT and Smart’s RAP activation builds on their continuing transition to the use of renewable energy sources. In 2024, 30 sites of the group were switched to 100% renewables—24 in Metro Manila and 6 in Mindanao.

In 2023, PLDT and Smart tapped geothermal energy for 5 network facilities in the Visayas. Through this pioneering initiative, PLDT and Smart join MPower in encouraging more industry players to switch to cleaner and more energy efficient solutions.

MPower First Vice President and Head Redel M. Domingo added, “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 through championing consumer choice in the power market.”

Parallel to the transition to renewables, PLDT and Smart have been pursuing the adoption of green technologies and various resource optimization initiatives for their network sites, business offices, and key facilities nationwide.

PLDT has also secured green loans, amounting to ₱5 billion to-date, to partially fund its fiber expansion and minimize the carbon footprint of its network rollout.

The PLDT Group follows a decarbonization roadmap that aims to reduce its Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030, coming from a 2019 baseline. These efforts support the global ambition to achieve Net Zero by 2050.

Meanwhile, MPower has been ramping up efforts to deliver more competitive pricing, improved service and access to renewable energy in support of the ERC’s vision for wider consumer access to electricity choice as part of the reforms under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act.

“To see PLDT and Smart backed by Meralco and MPower — names that have become ubiquitous and integral to the daily lives of Filipinos — embrace RAP sends a very strong message. For one, it tells the country that even the biggest players with the widest reach and deepest roots can make courageous decisions in support of a more open, inclusive and competitive energy market. But more importantly, today's event is a testament to the collective recognition of the group as providers of basic needs of our people in modern society that you are as a group are stewards of a huge part of our nation's economy and the wellbeing of our people. Leadership means being first, being bold and embracing responsibility for the welfare of all,” outgoing ERC chairperson and CEO Monalisa Dimalanta said.