PLDT accelerates solar rollout for cell sites amid soaring power rates

Telco giant PLDT is targeting to equip more cell sites with solar technology as the country faces elevated power rates amid the war in the Middle East.

File photo: Smart tower

PLDT taps solar energy to power cell sites

Its chief operating officer and head of Network Menardo Jimenez Jr. said the group is giving more focus on cutting its costs, particularly electricity and fuel, the top volatile drivers of PLDT’s operating expenses.

That's where we're seeing the biggest jump. 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, he said.

The official said that while PLDT's deals with fuel retailers have helped soften the blow of surging oil prices, the telco’s electricity costs are exposed to market fluctuations.

Tapping solar power slashes PLDT's reliance on electricity from the grid, enhancing cost predictability. The group also said the move makes sense, especially in areas suffering from frequent outages.

We don't have the benefit of perfect visibility given global conditions. What we can do is act decisively on the areas we can control. Solarizing a lot of our sites strengthens our resilience while supporting our sustainability goals, Jimenez added.

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