For many years, Filipino businesses had limited choices when it came to sourcing electricity—locked into local distribution utilities with high, inflexible rates. But today, through the Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA), and the efforts of proactive retail electricity suppliers like Mabuhay Energy, companies now have the power to choose how and from whom they get their electricity.
Businesses can now decide on their energy source, pricing model, and even opt for renewable, conventional, or hybrid power solutions. This policy reform is returning control to consumers, opening up new pathways to savings and sustainability.
At the recent “Strategic Energy Management: Unlocking Savings & Sustainability for Industries” Masterclass—organized by SolX Technologies in partnership with the Asian Institute of Management (AIM)—Jacqueline M. Castillo, President and CEO of Mabuhay Energy, participated as a panelist in the featured session titled “The Future of the Retail Competition and Open Access.”
In her address, Castillo emphasized that RCOA is not just about lowering expenses:
“RCOA is not just about saving money. It’s about giving consumers the freedom to choose their electricity supplier—leading to better service, pricing, and innovation.”
From fixed and variable pricing to seasonal and hybrid contract structures, today’s electricity market is more adaptable than ever. This flexibility enables companies to manage energy costs more strategically, while also accessing more sustainable and reliable power solutions.
“It allowed us at Mabuhay Energy to tailor-fit energy solutions to the needs of our customers—beyond just price, including sustainability, reliability, and flexible terms,” she added.
As the electricity market continues to mature, RCOA brings greater transparency, efficiency, and accountability, enabling both suppliers and customers to adopt smarter, more informed practices.
In the present, the transition can be intimidating—especially for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)—due to complex documentation and industry jargon. Hence, Mabuhay Energy is actively working to remove those barriers.
“We found that many small business owners are overwhelmed by formal, highly technical presentations,” Castillo shared. “So we’re simplifying the process—meeting them where they are, speaking their language, and showing them they too can make smart, informed energy decisions.”
With Retail Aggregation Program now in effect, smaller users such as residential buildings, barangays, and clusters of MSMEs can pool their electricity demand to meet the 500 kW eligibility threshold under RCOA. “RAP is a game-changer,” Castillo emphasized. “With more suppliers in the market, pricing has become more competitive, driving down costs for businesses.”
According to the Philippine Electricity Market Corporation’s 2024 report, contestable customers under RCOA enjoy electricity rates that are, on average, 14% lower than those still served by traditional distribution utilities. And for Mabuhay Energy, RCOA’s value extends beyond numbers.
“Our clients use energy not just as an operational input but as a tool for strategic financial and sustainable growth,” Castillo noted, emphasizing that smart energy choices can fuel long-term business success.
As the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) intensifies its efforts to spread awareness, companies like Mabuhay Energy are playing a critical role in educating end users and changing perceptions around energy. “We’re helping reshape the energy conversation in the Philippines,” said Castillo. “Our mission is to empower consumers by showing them the best energy options available—and make them realize that they have the ability to make choices that truly benefit them.”
What do you think about the open energy market and how companies like Mabuhay Energy are shaping the future? Share your thoughts below.