Manila: First Gen Corporation is set to pool the power demands of several properties within Araneta City through an innovative aggregation program that utilizes renewable energy (RE), the power firm announced on Thursday. This partnership marks a significant step towards sustainability for both entities.

According to Philippines News Agency, the collaboration will address the energy requirements of more than 200 retail and service tenants at Ali Mall and New Frontier Theater, including the events and concert hall, as well as over 9,000 apartments across 18 residential towers at Manhattan Gardens. The power supply for these facilities will be sourced from First Gen's Pantabangan-Masiway and Casecnan Hydroelectric Power Complex located in Nueva Ecija.

The initiative falls under the government's Retail Aggregation Program, which allows power consumers to pool the energy needs of their facilities. This approach aims to improve energy efficiency, manage costs effectively, and offer the choice of electricity supplier. Antonio Mardo, ACI Inc.'s senior vice president of operations, emphasized the strategic benefits of switching to retail aggregation and using RE for enhancing energy efficiency and cost management.

Furthermore, Mardo expressed hopes for a long-term and potentially expanded partnership with First Gen. Carlo Vega, First Gen's Chief Customer Engagement Officer, commended Araneta City's move towards renewable energy and retail aggregation. He highlighted the shared vision of both companies to foster a decarbonized and regenerative future and expressed enthusiasm for continued collaboration on Araneta City's sustainability journey.