Telecommunications giant PLDT Inc. is going all in on solar energy as it plans to roll out a new service offering that would allow customers to pay for internet and solar power solutions under a single package.

PLDT, through its broadband unit PLDT Home, said it is exploring a “pioneering collaboration” with a leading solar energy company to bring the two services together.

Through this unified offering, PLDT aims to keep families connected to the internet while helping them manage the impact of rising electricity costs.

“If people can have solar panels installed together with internet in one go, it should be very compelling for our customers, especially the ones who wish to future-proof their homes,” said PLDT Chief Operating Officer (COO) Menardo Jimenez Jr.

While it did not disclose its partner, PLDT said it has already completed initial tests for the service, which it considered a success given the promising customer response.

PLDT said there is strong interest in an integrated digital and energy solution because it offers both convenience and long-term savings, especially at a time of elevated inflation.

The telco is planning to offer the service directly to PLDT customers, providing them access to solar infrastructure through a monthly payment scheme spread over multiple years.

This is envisioned as a cheaper alternative to the high upfront costs typically associated with residential solar installations.

With this planned rollout, PLDT Home head John Palanca said the telco giant will not only provide internet connectivity to homes across the country, but essentially “own the whole home” as well.

“We’re excited to announce the full details soon,” he said.

PLDT’s latest push into solar energy follows its earlier pronouncement that it is now accelerating the solarization of its cell sites to help the company manage rising electricity costs.

PLDT reported that its operating expenses (opex) rose by five percent to ₱42.75 billion in the first quarter, with electricity and fuel among the key drivers of the increase.

While fuel costs are cushioned by the company’s pricing agreements with major fuel distributors, electricity costs are more exposed to market fluctuations due to the absence of long-term contracts across its facilities.

“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,” said Jimenez.

PLDT saw its net income decline by two percent to ₱8.87 billion during the January-to-March period from ₱9.03 billion in the same period last year, as expenses grew faster than revenues. - Dexter Barro II