As it accelerates its push toward a digitally driven power network, Manila Electric Company has deepened cooperation with American technology firms, positioning itself at the forefront of smart grid innovation in the region.
The Manuel V. Pangilinan-led utility recently took part in the US-Philippines Smart Grid Technologies Reverse Trade Mission, a high-level exchange hosted by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency from February 1 to 11. The program brought together senior energy leaders from government and the private sector for direct engagement with US technology providers, cybersecurity specialists, policymakers, and regulators shaping the future of power systems.
Representing Meralco were Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Ronnie L. Aperocho and Senior Vice President and Head of Networks Froilan J. Savet, who joined site visits and dialogues in San Diego and Silicon Valley in California, as well as Washington, DC.
Throughout the mission, the delegation explored next-generation grid technologies, innovative financing and rate-recovery models, and regulatory frameworks designed to support large-scale integration of renewable energy and distributed energy resources.
A key highlight was the group’s participation in live demonstrations of advanced grid solutions aimed at improving system reliability while protecting critical infrastructure. The delegation also attended DistribuTECH International in San Diego and toured the Stanford Central Energy Facility, offering a real-world look at large-scale, integrated energy management systems in operation.
The mission concluded with strategic discussions with the U.S. State Department and industry leaders on how utilities can successfully scale transformational programs. Conversations centered on strengthening governance, phasing investments wisely, and aligning closely with regulators to ensure modernization efforts deliver measurable gains in performance and customer experience.
“Grid modernization is a key pillar of Meralco’s strategy to meet evolving customer needs and ensure long-term operational resilience,” Aperocho said. He noted that as the company increasingly adopts artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, and stronger cybersecurity, the trade mission provided valuable insights into best practices that can enhance grid-edge intelligence, protect critical assets, and speed up Meralco’s transformation agenda.
The engagement comes as Meralco ramps up its digitalization and grid-edge initiatives, anchored by its Advanced Metering Infrastructure program. Over the next decade, the company plans to roll out around 12 million smart meters across its franchise area, generating granular, near real-time data to support analytics-driven decisions and greater customer empowerment.
This AMI backbone will also support the planned Grid-Edge Operations and Control Center, which will complement Meralco’s existing System Control Center by extending situational awareness to the low-voltage level. Paired with a future Distributed Energy Resources Management System, the platform is expected to enable more proactive coordination of distributed energy resources, demand response programs, and emerging grid services.
With sustained investments and deeper international partnerships, Meralco is doubling down on artificial intelligence, data-driven operations, DER integration, and cybersecurity—key building blocks in its drive toward a smarter, more secure, and future-ready power grid.