Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla of the Department of Energy called on Meralco, the country’s largest power distribution utility, to step up to the role of national leadership in the energy sector, during his keynote speech at the Giga Summit 2025 held at The Fifth in Rockwell.
Speaking to an audience of energy industry leaders, stakeholders, and pioneers Secretary Lotilla emphasized the undisputed vitality of electricity in national development, describing it as a “public necessity vital for every aspect of our economy and society.” He praised and highlighted Meralco’s operations—covering nearly 10,000 square kilometers and serving over 7.8 million customers—which gives it a scale and influence unmatched in the Philippine power sector.
“Meralco’s franchise is a mega-franchise,” Lotilla stated, making sure to note that the utility’s demand accounts for approximately 50% of the entire country’s power consumption and 70% of Luzon’s. He also emphasized the economic value of Meralco’s franchise area, which contributes an estimated 48% of the nation’s gross domestic product.
Lotilla praised Meralco, once more, for its technological capabilities and disaster response efforts, as well as its initiatives in renewable energy. However, he also posed a challenge to the company: to go beyond simply managing its business and instead internalize its broader responsibility to the public, particularly in shaping energy policy and infrastructure nationwide.
The Secretary put a spotlight onto Meralco’s complex corporate structure and its expanding role in power generation and retail electricity supply, raising concerns about market dominance and competition. “This complex organization carries certain risks,” Lotilla warned, while assuring the public that the Department of Energy, alongside the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC), would continue to monitor these entities and relationships closely.
Concluding his speech, Lotilla gave a direct appeal to Meralco: “Be the very best you can be.” He stressed that Meralco’s choices influence not just its franchise area but the entire country, especially in the face of growing interconnectivity across the national grid.
What do you think of Lotilla’s speech? Are his concerns valid? Share your thoughts below!
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