SM City Naga launches first free EV charging stn
By Keren Anne Bernadas
NAGA City --- Advocating for an eco-friendly environment, SM Supermalls launched Feb.8, Wednesday its additional 11 free electronic car charging stations in the country – rolled out in SM Naga as first for the Bicol region.
SM Naga Mall Manager Jeanette De Vera said that they are pushing for zero emission of wastes in order to attain sustainability for travel, the environment and the business industry.
De Vera said that there are interested clients coming from other parts of the country who asked for available e-vehicle charging stations in Bicol. Through this, they may now enjoy a better and smoother travel.
Mayor Nelson Legacion said this initiative similarly support his advocacy for a lower power tariff in the city, which has become his priority agenda this year.
“This activity is timely because we believe in the importance of addressing expensive power rate as this affects various sectors such as poor residents and business owners. This is why it has been my crusade to lower the electricity charge for the Nagueños this year,” Legacion said.
Legacion said he has sought the support and assistance of the Department of Energy (DOE) to provide the Camarines Sur II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CASURECO) additional 20 to 25 megawatts power from its new supplier called PSALM or the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation.
SM Naga Mall Manager Jeanette De Vera say that the launching of the first EV charging stations in Bicol is to push for zero emission of wastes in order to attain sustainability for travel, the environment and the business industry. [Photo: JMadrid-PIA5/Camarines Sur]
This supplier has earlier agreed to contract only 10 megawatts for at least a lowered amount although it was earlier reported that it is not enough to provide the base load of power demand in CASUREO II which ranges from 40 to 70 MW in a month.
Moreover, Legacion said this charging station will help those in the transport sector, and may add up to around 100 units of electronic vehicle traveling within the jurisdiction of the city.
City Councilor Atty. Ghiel Rosales who is also the chair on City Committee on Environment, applauded the “green” move of the SM Naga as it has the shared causes with the local government unit in promoting a healthier environment for the future.
Aside from SM Naga, free EV charging stations also began in these SM malls: SM Center Tuguegarao Downtown, SM City Clark, SM City Trece Martires, SM City Sta. Rosa, Sky Ranch Tagaytay, SM City Cebu, SM Seaside City Cebu, SM City CDO Uptown, SM CDO Downtown Premier, and SM Lanang Premier. (With reports from Shael Santiago, Kyla Sito and Francis Tordilla, USI interns-PIA5/Camarines Sur)