Communities aim sustainable future
Renewable energy solutions provider SN Aboitiz Power-Benguet (SNAP-Benguet) — the operator of the Ambuklao and Binga hydroelectric power plants (HEPP) — is celebrating this month 14 years of sustainable operations and partnerships with its communities, stakeholders and employees.
“Our company’s core values include a strong emphasis on health, safety, and social responsibility, all of which play an important role in ensuring that our operations run efficiently. These are the driving forces propelling us toward a more sustainable future,” Joseph Yu, president and chief executive officer of SNAP-Benguet, said.
To meet the country’s growing power needs, the Ambuklao and Binga plants have 105 and 140 megawatts, respectively. The availability factor for both the Ambuklao and Binga plants is currently around 94 percent. Availability factor is a measure of a power plant’s reliability, or the percentage of time it is available to provide energy to the grid.
The company’s focus on maintaining the best possible operational standards is reflected in its certifications. SNAP-Benguet has Integrated Management System certifications for ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System, ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System, ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management System, and ISO 55001:2014 Asset Management System.
SNAP-Benguet strives to improve the surrounding community’s quality of life while harnessing the power of nature through responsible hydropower operation. “Our operations channel sustainable development. Over the years, the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and community investment initiatives in Benguet have supported 443 projects totaling P183 million,” Yu said.
The company’s CSR Fund has supported 21 projects totaling P14.5 million since the pandemic in 2020, benefiting the host barangays Ambuklao, Tikey, and Tinongdan; municipalities of Bokod and Itogon; the provincial government of Benguet; Shakilan Ni Ikulos-Indigenous Peoples Organization of Bokod; and Tinongdan Indigenous Peoples Organization.
“In addition to ensuring business continuity and unwavering commitment to our communities, we continue to implement sustainability initiatives to preserve and protect the environment,” Yu said.
SNAP-Benguet strives to improve the surrounding community’s quality of life while harnessing the power of nature through responsible hydropower operation.