Laguna Water and Laguna Aquatech (LARC), Manila Water’s operating units serving areas outside the East Zone in Laguna Province, have achieved a significant milestone by successfully transitioning to the electricity Retail Aggregation Program (RAP). This marks the first implementation of this initiative outside of Metro Manila.
This pioneering move underscores both companies’ strong commitment to providing clean, sustainable, and cost-efficient water services to the communities and businesses in Laguna.
The RAP, an innovative program by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), empowers electricity consumers to collectively choose their power suppliers and negotiate competitive rates. This transition allows Laguna Water and LARC to substantially reduce their power expenses, a major factor in water production costs. The resulting savings will contribute to maintaining affordable water rates while enabling the companies to reinvest in service enhancements, infrastructure development, and crucial sustainability programs.
During the ceremonial switching event at the Laguna Water Head Office in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, Manila Water President and CEO Jocot De Dios emphasized the broader implications of this achievement. “While this may seem like a quiet event, it allows us to communicate to our regulators and stakeholders our ongoing efforts to improve operations and optimize our resources. By responsibly managing power, we can significantly enhance our operational efficiency.”
He further added, “However, our work doesn’t stop here. We have more connections to forge and further initiatives to pursue with our partners. This spirit of collaboration, not just domestically but also internationally, with power utilities and retail electricity suppliers, is key to placing sustainability at the forefront of our water operations.”
ERC Chairman and CEO Atty. Monalisa Dimalanta lauded the expansion of the RAP beyond Metro Manila. “It’s inspiring to witness Laguna Water and LARC following Manila Water’s lead in making this transition. This signifies another step towards a more competitive and consumer-driven power sector. It strengthens our resolve to ensure all consumers can effectively exercise their power to choose and benefit from the resulting savings. Increased participation in RAP fosters stronger competition, ultimately leading to better prices and more options for everyone.”
Currently, Laguna Water, a joint venture between Manila Water Philippine Ventures and the Provincial Government of Laguna, delivers water, wastewater, and environmental services to the municipalities of Santa Rosa, Cabuyao, Biñan, Pagsanjan, and several areas in Sta. Cruz, Pakil, Victoria, and Calauan, as well as various real estate developments in Laguna, including BellaVita (in Pila, Alaminos, and San Pablo), Amaia (in Calamba and San Pablo), and Ayala Greenfield Estates – Calamba.
LARC, a joint venture between MWPV and Laguna Water District, focuses on the rehabilitation, improvement, expansion, operation, and maintenance of the water supply system in the municipalities of Los Baños, Bay, Calauan, Victoria, and Nagcarlan.
The RAP transition encompasses LARC’s twenty-five (25) facilities, totaling 900kW of power demand, and Laguna Water’s sixty-seven (67) facilities, with a total power demand of 4.3 MW. Through this program, both operating units will now source their electricity supply from PrimeRES Energy, with distribution facilitated by Meralco.
This landmark initiative sets a new benchmark for energy-efficient water utility operations, reinforcing Laguna Water and LARC’s dedication to sustainability, affordability, and operational excellence. This commitment ensures a reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible water supply for the residents of Laguna.
