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NUSTAR Resort & Casino Cebu has secured a new retail electricity supply agreement with COREnergy, the energy solutions unit of Vivant Energy, as the integrated resort prepares for continued expansion in one of the country’s most competitive tourism markets.
The partnership places COREnergy as NUSTAR’s retail power supplier, supporting the resort’s rising electricity requirements across its hotel operations, gaming floors, retail spaces, and entertainment facilities. As Cebu strengthens its position as a regional leisure and business hub, large-scale developments such as NUSTAR are placing greater emphasis on power reliability, cost efficiency, and smarter energy management.
For NUSTAR, the decision reflects the operational demands of running a five-star integrated destination where uninterrupted service is essential. From guest comfort and gaming systems to retail and back-of-house operations, energy stability plays a critical role in maintaining service quality and brand standards.
Trevor Hammond, Senior Vice President for Gaming and Integrated Resort Operations, stated that the collaboration is based on ensuring dependable day-to-day operations while supporting the property’s long-term growth trajectory. He noted, “Partnering with COREnergy supports that commitment by giving us reliable energy solutions that meet the level of excellence our brand demands.”
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Supporting energy-intensive resort operations
By shifting to COREnergy as its retail electricity supplier, NUSTAR gains access to customized power solutions designed for large commercial users. Beyond supply, the agreement includes the use of COREnergy’s My Power Platform, a digital system that enables real-time monitoring of electricity consumption.
According to COREnergy President Francis Del Val, the platform allows clients to track usage patterns, identify inefficiencies, and plan future energy needs more accurately. “Energy should be simple. Our role is to be an energy solutions provider to businesses by providing smarter and tailor-fitted solutions that add value to them,” he explained. By combining competitively priced electricity with data-driven tools, COREnergy aims to help clients optimize consumption while maintaining operational stability.
The partnership aligns with broader trends in the hospitality and gaming sectors, where operators are increasingly seeking energy strategies that balance reliability, transparency, and flexibility. As resorts expand their footprints and add new attractions, energy planning has become a strategic function rather than a back-end utility concern.
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Retail power choice expands under new regulations
The NUSTAR-COREnergy agreement also comes at a pivotal moment for the Philippine power sector, as regulatory changes are set to widen access to the Retail Electricity Supply (RES) market.
Beginning in 2026, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) will reduce the contestable threshold to 100 kilowatts, allowing a larger number of commercial establishments to choose their electricity supplier. This policy shift is expected to accelerate competition among retail electricity providers and give businesses greater control over pricing structures and service offerings.
Vivant Corp., through COREnergy, has been positioning itself to capture this expanding market by building a portfolio that goes beyond basic power supply. The company has emphasized flexible energy arrangements, digital monitoring tools, and solutions designed to support operational continuity, particularly for industries with high and variable power demand.
For large developments such as NUSTAR, early participation in the retail electricity market provides an opportunity to align energy procurement with operational goals. Flexible contracts and consumption insights allow businesses to respond more effectively to fluctuations in demand while mitigating exposure to price volatility.
The agreement underscores how energy strategy is becoming closely tied to competitiveness, especially in sectors where downtime can have immediate financial and reputational consequences. In hospitality and gaming, where guest experience is paramount, power reliability directly influences service delivery and customer satisfaction.
As Vivant Corp. continues to expand its sustainable and customer-focused energy offerings, partnerships with high-profile commercial clients reinforce the role of retail electricity providers as strategic partners rather than mere utilities.
For NUSTAR, the move signals a focus on future-proofing its operations as it scales up in Cebu’s fast-evolving tourism landscape. With power demand expected to grow alongside its facilities and visitor volumes, securing a reliable and adaptable energy partner positions the resort to sustain performance while navigating a changing regulatory and market environment.
Sources:
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/nustar-switches-to-corenergy-for-power-supply