RLC, Meralco start EV charging rollout, push more solar collaborations

MANILA, Philippines — Robinsons Land Corp. (RLC) and Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) are bolstering their efforts to reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment through the roll out of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations as well as more solar collaborations in different Robinsons malls nationwide.

RLC and Meralco officially opened for public use two EV charging stations at Robinsons Galleria in Ortigas. The partnership also aims to open charging stations at Robinsons Magnolia and Robinsons Tagaytay.

RLC executive vice president Faraday Go said charging stations at Robinsons Magnolia and the first mall EV charging station outside the National Capital Region (NCR) at Robinsons Tagaytay are targeted to be opened within the year.

“We’ll surely have more next year,” Go said.

The charging stations, which are supplied and installed by Meralco subsidiary eSakay Inc., an end-to-end EV solutions provider, feature charging pods for four-wheeled EV such as battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, as well as pods that can accommodate two-wheeled and three-wheeled EV such as eBikes, eScooters, and eTrikes.

The new EV charging stations are in support of the recently enacted Republic Act 11697 or the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act, which requires owners of buildings and establishments to dedicate parking slots for EVs.

“Our strategic collaboration with Robinsons Land Corporation to build EV charging stations in Robinsons Malls underscores eSakay’s continuing commitment to promote the country’s important transition to electrified transport,” Meralco chief sustainability officer and eSakay president and CEO Raymond Ravelo said.

“It also highlights and heightens our pledge to provide our clients with top-notch, reliable, and fit-for-purpose electric mobility solutions, from EV to charging infrastructure solutions. This is all geared towards enabling our clients to enhance their operations while advancing their sustainability agenda,” Ravelo said.

Besides the EV charging stations, RLC and Meralco are also working to strengthen their efforts to advance sustainability through renewable energy.

RLC is currently the largest solar-powered mall operator, having invested P1.6 billion for 24 Robinsons Malls in solar PV adoption to help with the reduction of carbon emissions and fossil fuel-based electricity.

Spectrum, a solar subsidiary of Meralco that provides end-to-end solar solutions, is responsible for the O&M of the solar installations of Robinsons Novaliches, Robinsons Angeles, Robinsons Cybergate Bacolod, Robinsons Galleria Cebu, and Robinsons Palawan.

The scope includes servicing and replacement of equipment, dismantling and reinstallation of PV modules, cleaning of system, and generation monitoring, among others.

RLC said the O&M services of Spectrum have allowed the company to maximize its solar investment and increase solar kWh production by up to 18.5 percent.

It was also Spectrum that installed a 528-kWp solar system at Robinsons Palawan’s expansion area, which has so far generated approximately 2.8 million kwh of clean energy since its commercial operations in 2017.

“We are grateful to RLC for entrusting the O&M of its solar installations with us. Our shared goals, which are anchored on protecting the environment and improving our customers’ business has led us to further green alternatives,” Spectrum president and CEO and Meralco first vice president and chief commercial officer Ferdinand Geluz said.

Meralco has also recently enrolled 10 Robinsons Malls to the Interruptible Load Program, through which RLC committed to de-load a total of 31 MW when needed and potentially spare around 124,000 households and small businesses from the inconvenience of unplanned power interruptions.

“Driving game-changing sustainability programs is an important priority for RLC.  This imperative is fully aligned with the rising call for environmental conservation and efficient use of resources to help cushion the adverse effects of climate change,” Go said.

“Our partnership with the Meralco Group allows us to strengthen our commitment and introduce innovations that will have lasting positive impact for all our customers and for the environment,” Go added.