The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) is preparing to bring electricity to an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 households located in Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-protected areas by 2026, using an off-grid solar energy solution.
According to Meralco Chief Revenue Officer Ferdinand Geluz, traditional power line installations are not feasible in these protected zones—including areas in Tanay, Rizal, and Mauban, Quezon—due to environmental restrictions.
“To address this, we’ve submitted a proposal to the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) for a solar home system,” Geluz said in an interview Thursday. “Once approved, each household will be equipped with a solar panel and battery system.”
These solar kits will operate on a plug-and-play basis, with panels mounted on rooftops and battery systems providing a steady supply of power. Rather than paying based on monthly consumption, beneficiaries will be charged a fixed rate aligned with the system’s capacity.
The project, estimated to cost around PHP143 million, will be funded through Meralco’s capital expenditures. The number of beneficiaries was determined using data from the 2020 national census, with average monthly consumption projected at 20 to 30 kilowatt-hours per household.
“If all goes well, implementation could begin as early as next year,” Geluz added, noting that material procurement remains on hold until ERC approval is secured.
Despite the challenges in remote and environmentally protected areas, Meralco continues to lead in electrification, boasting a 99.97 percent coverage rate within its franchise area.
