Renewable energy, combined with innovative
power solutions from Meralco, can boost business operations into streamlined
efficiency.
Gran Prix Hotels, a chain of
full-service hotels for the budget-conscious traveller, has made its name in
the local hospitality industry for providing warm, friendly service across its
branches in Luzon and Visayas. What sets this hotel chain apart, however, is
its use of sustainable energy in its Metro Manila locations.
“We have to constantly find ways to
keep our promise of affordability a reality,” said Jan Kierulf, Gran Prix
Hotels president. “Finding solutions to keep operating costs down can be
elusive, and we don’t want to compromise the quality of our service. We turned
to solar power to manage our overhead costs and become more environmentally
conscious. Since then, we’ve never looked back.”
The solar installation could operate
up to 90 kW resulting to surplus energy that required battery storage, which
the hotels do not have. To make the most out of this surplus power, Kierulf and
his partners leaned on Meralco Biz Partners, a Meralco team that caters to
businesses in the 5 to 499 kW consumption bracket.
In 2013, the company became
Meralco’s first commercial Net-Metering Program customer. “We got interested in
the prospect of exporting excess power to the Meralco grid,” shared Kierulf.
“The Biz Partners were prompt in helping us set up the whole thing.”
The outright savings were
phenomenal. “We used to pay P220,000.00 monthly in electric bills, but after
enrolling in Net-Metering I’m saving up to 40 percent and that really helped
the company.”
Consulting with Meralco also ensured
Kierulf that his renewable energy installations are compatible with the power
grid, do not pose danger to personnel and property facilities, and can truly
maximize the company’s investment.
Without proper supervision and
consultation from Meralco, a renewable energy installation can bring more bane
than boon. A hastily installed and unmonitored solar energy facility can put
one at risk of electrical fires, damage to appliances and electrical equipment,
grid instability, and power interruption to the building or even the entire
neighborhood.
Kierulf and the company take pride
in finding a cost-effective solution for their operations and contributing to a
greener future by proving that solar power technology is sustainable for both
the environment and the hospitality business. In fact, renewable energy
solutions are used across all of their businesses, including e-vehicles for
their transport operations.
“This move has given us tremendous
savings and we couldn’t have done it if not for Meralco,” Kierulf said.
“Gran Prix has proven that keeping
their hotels affordable for their customers while using clean energy is not
only possible but profitable,” said Cecile M. Domingo, Meralco SAVP and Biz
Partners Head. “We hope the eco-friendly, practical and tangible results they
achieved with solar power and the Net-Metering Program will serve as an
inspiration for Filipino entrepreneurs.”
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