First residential aggregation groups join RCOA

MANILA, Philippines – The country has switched its first two residential groups under the government’s retail competition and open access (RCOA) program, allowing consumers to choose their own electricity supplier.

On Tuesday, retail electricity supplier EvoEnergi said it led the switch of the two residential retail aggregation groups, comprising nine households in Quezon City and 13 households in San Juan City.

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The switch took effect on June 26, the first day the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) lowered the minimum required consumption to 100 kilowatts (kW) from 500 kW.

As a result, the competitive retail electricity market has expanded to serve not only large corporations but also smaller consumers.

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“This is more than a market milestone; it is a major leap forward in achieving the core objectives of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act,” Julian Lao, president of EvoEnergi, said in a statement.

“For many years, households have viewed electricity as a fixed expense with limited alternatives. Through the ERC’s retail aggregation program, the collective demand of residents creates stronger purchasing power, unlocking customized energy solutions that would otherwise be out of reach for individual households”, he added.

Meanwhile, EvoEnergi is an affiliate of the listed Lao family-led D&L Industries Inc. /pai INQ