PLDT INC. and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. are strengthening decarbonization efforts across their operations as they step up the use of renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies amid global energy uncertainty.
“Our strategic focus on greening and modernizing our network operations has been crucial in strengthening our readiness, especially at this time of global uncertainty. We remain steadfast in delivering stable and high-quality connectivity and in ensuring that our customers remain protected and prioritized,” PLDT Chief Operating Officer and Head of Network Menardo G. Jimenez, Jr. said in a media release on Sunday.
The listed telecommunications company said it is intensifying initiatives such as investments in renewable energy sources and energy-efficient network technologies to help reduce carbon emissions from operations.
About 27 major PLDT and Smart sites are now powered by renewable energy, shifting part of their power supply away from fossil fuels. The company added that five facilities in the Visayas have also installed solar rooftop systems.
PLDT said it will continue to pursue additional power supply agreements to diversify its energy sources in favor of renewables.
Smart has also adopted an artificial intelligence-based power management solution that enables network sites to automatically scale power consumption based on real-time demand.
The company said the use of this technology has helped reduce energy consumption by more than 10,000 megawatt-hours in a year.
Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of the PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., holds a majority stake in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Ashley Erika O. Jose
