Leading fiber broadband provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. is switching to 100% renewable energy to power its main office in Pasig City, committing to purchase a total of 2.5 megawatts (MW) of geothermal energy up to 2023 from pioneering clean energy company First Gen Corporation.
“The clean energy that First Gen will provide for our head office in Pasig complements our business in more ways than one. It reflects our choices as a responsible company that wishes to do its share for the environment,” said Converge CEO Dennis Anthony Uy in a virtual signing ceremony held recently.
“Thank you to our newest partner Converge for sharing the same vision and values as us by choosing 100% clean energy and sharing our goal of achieving a low carbon future. The 2.5 MW of purely renewable energy from Tongonan geothermal power plant owned by our subsidiary Energy Development Corporation will bring Converge one step closer to reducing its carbon footprint, and as we’d like to say – Powered by Good,” noted First Gen Chairman and CEO Federico R. Lopez.
(top row, L-R: First Gen Chairman and CEO Federico “Piki” R. Lopez, Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy, Converge President and Co-Founder Grace Y. Uy, and First Gen Executive Vice President Mr. Victor Emmanuel B. Santos.)
“The Philippines is especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, and this has direct implications on the future of our business too. We have chosen to take decisive action now. This is the first major step in our journey to becoming carbon neutral,” added Converge Chief Strategy Officer Benjamin Azada.
In inking the two-year supply contract, which became effective September 26, Converge is making strides on its sustainability commitment where it aims to pursue greener options in its operations.
The clean energy will be sourced from Tongonan geothermal power plant in Leyte (which is owned by First Gen’s subsidiary, EDC), with the energy firm providing a maximum of 1.5 megawatts during the first year, increasing to 2.5 megawatts through its second year.
This is in participation with Department of Energy’s (DOE) Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) program which allows consumers deemed to belong in the “contestable market” to choose their electricity supplier.
“Aside from helping save the environment, we also expect operating cost savings, although this isn’t the primary reason for the switch. Our driver for partnering with First Gen is to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and give back to the planet.,” said Converge President and Chief Resources Officer Grace Y. Uy.
First Gen Corporation currently services a growing list of direct clients shifting to green power all over the country and is among the first Renewable Energy Supplier approved by the DOE for the Green Energy Options Program (GEOP).
This shift to renewable energy is the latest sustainability initiative of Converge in recent months as it expands its corporate social responsibility agenda.
First Gen Executive Vice President Victor Emmanuel B. Santos, Jr. said: “We are truly happy to collaborate and partner with like-minded customers who value a sustainable future and believe that all of us need to take progressive steps towards it.”
“Consumers now buy LED lights instead of traditional light bulbs. Efficiently-powered appliances lower electricity bills. Electric vehicles shuttle employees to work. Businesses like Converge are realizing that wasting less energy isn’t just good for the planet, it’s also good for business,” Santos added.
