The initiative is made possible through a partnership with First Gen Corp., one of the country’s leading producers of clean and renewable energy.
Sustainable power for iconic landmarks
Under the agreement signed on Oct. 14, First Gen will pool the electricity demand of over 200 retail and service tenants in Ali Mall and New Frontier Theater, as well as more than 9,000 residential units across 18 towers in the Manhattan Gardens complex.
The aggregated energy needs of these properties will be supplied with renewable electricity from First Gen’s Pantabangan-Masiway and Casecnan Hydroelectric Power Complex in Nueva Ecija, First Gen said in a statement.
“Each of our properties has energy demands, and switching to retail aggregation and using renewable energy is a strategic move that enables us to improve energy efficiency and manage costs,” the statement quoted Antonio Mardo, ACI Inc. senior vice president of operations, as saying.
Harnessing government-backed energy reforms
Araneta City’s move is anchored on two government programs—the Retail Aggregation Program, which allows multiple electricity end-users within the same area to combine their power requirements for collective purchasing, and the Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) initiative, which lets consumers with at least 500 kilowatts of peak demand choose their preferred electricity supplier.
By aggregating tenants and choosing renewable sources, Araneta City not only achieves cost efficiency but also significantly reduces its carbon footprint, aligning with its broader sustainability goals.
Partnership for a regenerative future
“We are privileged to transition Ali Mall, an iconic retail landmark, to retail aggregation and renewable energy,” said Carlo Vega, First Gen’s chief customer engagement officer. “We share Araneta City’s goal of making a decarbonized and regenerative future truly iconic.”
Leading the way toward greener cities
Spanning 35 hectares in the heart of Metro Manila, Araneta City has long been recognized as a trailblazer in property development, seamlessly integrating retail, entertainment, residential, and business spaces for over 70 years.
Through this initiative, it strengthens its legacy as the City of Firsts , leading the shift toward cleaner, more efficient urban energy systems. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
