SolX Technologies, in collaboration with the Asian Institute of Management (AIM), hosted a strategic masterclass aimed at addressing pressing energy challenges in the Philippines. Titled “Strategic Energy Management: Unlocking Savings & Sustainability for Industries,” the event brought together energy regulators, business leaders, and power sector stakeholders to explore actionable strategies for enhancing energy efficiency, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and modernizing the national grid.
Held in response to growing concerns about the country’s outdated energy infrastructure and heavy dependence on coal, the masterclass served as a platform for expert dialogue on sustainable energy solutions.
First Gen’s Carlos Vega Calls for Urgent RE Investments
Carlos Lorenzo Vega, President and COO of First Gen Energy Solutions, addressed the current state of the Philippine power sector, stating that the country remains caught in an energy trilemma—struggling to balance energy security, affordability, and sustainability.
Referencing the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), enacted 24 years ago, and the Renewable Energy (RE) Act, passed 17 years ago, Vega noted that the share of coal in the country’s energy mix had surged from 7% to 62%. He emphasized that the lack of investment in clean energy and grid modernization could pose risks to industrial growth and economic stability.
“Our grid remains vulnerable because fossil fuel dependence continues to rise despite legislative efforts to promote renewable energy,” Vega said. “Immediate action is needed to scale up RE adoption and prevent future energy supply disruptions.”
Discussions Highlight RCOA and Retail Aggregation Opportunities
The masterclass featured a panel discussion on the evolution of the Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) framework. Representatives from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), retail electricity suppliers, and large-scale consumers—including SolX Technologies—examined the program’s role in improving energy sourcing flexibility and market competitiveness.
Matt Levin Tan, COO of SolX Technologies, described RCOA as an essential policy shift for businesses. “It enables companies to take control of their energy decisions, reduce costs, and access more competitive supply options,” Tan said.
ERC representatives Maranatha Estalilla and Katerielle Cedeno introduced updates to the RCOA framework, including the Retail Aggregation Program (RAP), which allows smaller electricity users to pool their demand to meet the 500 kW threshold required to participate in the Competitive Retail Electricity Market (CREM).
Educational Institutions Share Real-World RCOA Experiences
Emmanuel Sator of FAITH Colleges discussed the institution’s transition into the contestable electricity market with support from SolX. He noted that, despite limited technical expertise, the transition allowed them to participate in the Green Energy Option Program (GEOP), aligning their operations with sustainability goals.
Tan reiterated that SolX plays a guiding role in helping clients navigate complex energy regulations. “We provide the technology and insights companies need to make informed energy choices,” he added.
Energy Efficiency Positioned as a Business Advantage
Energy efficiency emerged as a key theme throughout the event. Department of Energy Director Patrick T. Aquino emphasized the importance of energy audits, saying, “You cannot target what you don’t measure. Implementing energy efficiency measures is one of the most cost-effective ways to manage consumption.”
SolX CEO Sergius Angelo Santos outlined the company’s energy audit services under RA11285, which include comprehensive assessments and client education on sustainable practices.
Participants also shared outcomes from energy efficiency initiatives. Benjamin Azada of Converge said the company had reduced its emissions by nearly 40% through optimization tools provided by SolX. Edgardo Apitana of Onestop Warehousing Solutions noted that improved energy practices had enhanced their operational competitiveness.
Event Concludes with Call for Public-Private Collaboration
The masterclass concluded with a unified call for greater collaboration across the energy ecosystem. Organizers and participants stressed the need to align sustainability goals with the country’s economic and industrial ambitions. SolX reaffirmed its commitment to supporting industries through technology, compliance assistance, and long-term strategic planning.
As the Philippine energy sector faces the twin pressures of rising demand and environmental responsibility, the event underscored the importance of actionable policy frameworks and stakeholder collaboration in shaping a secure and sustainable energy future.
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