Eastern Communications taps First Gen geothermal for network grid

Insider Spotlight

• Eastern Communications raised renewable energy use across operations from 2 percent to 10 percent
• The increase follows a geothermal energy supply partnership with First Gen Corp.
• The renewable shift powers the company’s Makati headquarters and key technical operations centers
• The move aligns energy resilience with the telco’s broader infrastructure modernization strategy
  
  

Eastern Communications has expanded its renewable energy utilization across offices and technical facilities, lifting the share of clean power in its operations from 2 percent to 10 percent as it transitions to geothermal energy supplied by First Gen Corp.

The partnership enables the telecommunications provider to power its Makati headquarters and key technical operations centers using geothermal electricity sourced from Leyte, strengthening both environmental performance and operational resilience.

Why it matters

The shift reflects how telecom operators are increasingly tying network reliability to sustainable energy sources. For Eastern Communications, stable renewable energy supply is viewed as critical to ensuring service continuity for enterprise connectivity while lowering carbon emissions.

“This partnership represents a clear step forward in how we power our operations,” said Atty. Aileen Regio, co-coordinator of Eastern Communications,  in a statement.

“By integrating geothermal energy into key facilities, we are reinforcing the resilience of our core infrastructure. Sustainability, for us, is directly linked to service continuity and long-term performance.”

The big picture 

Geothermal energy, an indigenous renewable resource, plays a growing role in the Philippines’ energy transition. By sourcing geothermal power from Leyte-based facilities operated by First Gen, Eastern Communications is leveraging local renewable capacity to support mission-critical digital infrastructure.

The transition was made possible through the government’s Retail Competition Open Access program, which allows large electricity consumers to directly contract with electricity suppliers and select cleaner power sources.

By the numbers 

The telco’s renewable energy expansion also builds on its existing solar capacity. Around 222 kilowatts of solar installations already support the Makati headquarters and several technical operations centers.

“Increasing our renewable utilization is a concrete milestone. Together with the 222 kW solar capacity already supporting our Makati HQ and TOCs, our adoption of renewable geothermal energy strengthens our ability to operate efficiently while aligning with national climate priorities and the broader shift toward a circular economy,” said Jaeson Evangelista, co-coordinator of Eastern Comms.

What’s next

The renewable transition forms part of Eastern Communications’ broader infrastructure modernization program under its 2026 direction, “Dare To Soar,” which includes intelligent automation upgrades, energy-efficient systems, and disaster resilience initiatives designed to strengthen its core network.

The company says integrating clean energy into critical facilities supports its long-term goal of building a more resilient, future-ready digital infrastructure. —Ramon C. Nocon | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma