ERC names EvoEnergi’s first ten customer groups as Retail Aggregation Champions, signaling momentum for the program
July 5, 2025 — Marking a shift in the country’s power landscape, EvoEnergi gathered government leaders, industry partners, and its first ten customer groups in a recent event recognizing the early adopters of its Retail Aggregation Program (RAP). In a strong endorsement, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) conferred the title of Retail Aggregation Champions on these pioneering companies—underscoring their leadership in making energy choice more accessible. Aptly titled EVOLVE, the event celebrated the emergence of more deliberate, customer-driven energy strategies in the Philippine business sector.
Retail aggregation—a framework that allows businesses with mid-sized electricity demand to pool together and access large-user pricing—was introduced in regulation in 2024, but had seen limited adoption until now. EvoEnergi, a Retail Electricity Supplier affiliated with D&L Industries, is turning the model into a working reality: lowering barriers, simplifying contracts, and offering businesses a practical alternative to traditional utilities.
“In just five months of operations, we’re now serving ten retail aggregated groups and eleven contestable customers,” said Julian Jacob Lao, President of EvoEnergi. “That tells us the appetite is there—not just for better pricing, but for better partnerships.”
The logic is straightforward: by aggregating demand, businesses unlock pricing and predictability once limited to industry giants. The impact, however, goes beyond cost. Customers say the program has allowed them to better forecast energy spending, plan for growth, and redirect savings toward operations, people, and innovation.
Alvin Lao, President and CEO of D&L Industries, underscored this in his remarks: “Electricity isn’t just a utility bill—it’s a strategic lever. Aggregation helps level the playing field for companies that are competing globally but remain cost-burdened locally.”
Among those honored at the event were companies in packaging, logistics, food processing, and industrial services. Each of EvoEnergi’s ten customer groups was formally recognized by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) as a Retail Aggregation Champion in their respective industries—underscoring their leadership in embracing energy choice. LBL Properties, for example, cited clearer rate visibility and improved planning as immediate gains from joining the program.
The event drew strong institutional support. Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta and Department of Energy OIC Assistant Director Madonna Naling spoke
on how mechanisms like RAP are crucial to their goal of lowering the contestability threshold to 100 kW—a move that would make thousands more businesses eligible for electricity choice.
“We didn’t need headlines when we passed the resolution last year,” said Dimalanta. “What mattered was giving consumers—especially smaller ones—the power to choose. That’s what the Retail Aggregation Program is about. It gives clearer rules, stronger rights, and a real say in where your electricity comes from. This is our ambag—our way of building energy democracy, where more Filipinos can finally benefit from choice and competition.”
Also present were the President and CEO of the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP), Atty. Richard J. Nethercott and leaders from MERALCO’s Competitive Market Group, whose collaboration with EvoEnergi has helped set the groundwork for a more open and responsive electricity market.
For EvoEnergi, the focus ahead is on expanding reach and deepening services. The company is moving toward exploring bundled green energy options—enabling companies to meet both their financial and environmental targets without compromise.
“We are changing the way businesses think about energy,” said Julian Lao. “It’s no longer just a utility to pay for—it’s a lever for growth, a tool for foresight, and a reflection of the values that drive an organization forward. That’s the future we’re building.”
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) honors the first ten customer groups of EvoEnergi under the Retail Aggregation Program—recognized as Retail Aggregation Champions in their respective fields.
CEO Julian Lao and D&L Industries President &CEO Alvin La,o together with their team behind the rollout of the Retail Aggregation Program, and with honored guests Atty. Mae Palgan (Atty IV, ERC), Atty. Chiara Blanco (Chief, Contestable Market Division, ERC), Sharon Montaner (Director, Market Operations Services) and Atty. Monalisa Dimalanta (ERC Chairperson)
