PLDT accelerating solarization of cell sites amid rising energy costs

PLDT INC. is accelerating the solarization of its cell sites as part of efforts to manage rising electricity costs and improve network resilience.

“We’re looking at initial data to understand any impact on our business. On our end, the bigger focus is really on managing costs — especially electricity and fuel — and that’s where our sustainability initiatives come in,” PLDT Chief Operating Officer Menardo G. Jimenez, Jr. said in a statement on Thursday.

The Pangilinan-led telecommunications company said volatility in fuel and electricity prices remains a major driver of operational expenses amid the ongoing energy crisis.

“We’re becoming much more disciplined in how we manage power consumption, and we’re accelerating our ability to solarize our cell sites. This allows us to become more efficient and gives us greater control over our energy costs,” Mr. Jimenez said.

PLDT said shifting more cell sites to solar power is expected to help shield the company from fluctuations in fuel and electricity prices.

“By expanding the use of on-site solar power at cell sites, PLDT reduces dependence on grid electricity, improves cost predictability, and enhances network stability — particularly in areas vulnerable to power disruptions and price volatility,” the company said.

For the first quarter, PLDT posted a 1.77% decline in attributable net income to P8.87 billion as higher expenses offset modest revenue growth.

Gross revenues rose 2.23% to P56.51 billion, while expenses increased 5.43% to P42.75 billion from a year earlier.

Shares in PLDT fell P17, or 1.42%, to close at P1,180 apiece.

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. — Ashley Erika O. Jose