The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) is upgrading its distribution network with disaster-ready structures and digital automation systems to improve power reliability and speed up restoration after typhoons and earthquakes.

Meralco First Vice President and Head of Networks Froilan J. Savet said the company’s resiliency initiative is part of a long-term disaster risk management strategy designed to keep power flowing even under extreme conditions.

As part of its grid-hardening program, Meralco has replaced wooden poles with high-strength concrete and steel poles that can withstand winds of up to 270 kilometers per hour. It is also deploying fibreglass cross-arms, which are more durable and less prone to detachment during severe weather.

To prevent flooding, substations are now being built about two meters above road level, while new facilities are designed to withstand 0.3 to 0.5G seismic ground acceleration in compliance with international standards. Savet said these upgrades are focused on strengthening the network’s physical resilience, ensuring that facilities remain safe and functional during major disasters.

Meralco is also reconfiguring its distribution system to reduce the duration and extent of power interruptions. High-voltage circuits are looped and networked, allowing power to be rerouted when a line is damaged. “We designed the system so that even if one line goes down, power can be supplied from another source,” Savet said. “This helps us limit outages and restore service more quickly.”

To complement structural upgrades, Meralco is pursuing digital automation through its smart grid roadmap. Its Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) integrates Pinpoint Location, Isolation, and Service Restoration (PLISR) capabilities that enable faster fault detection and recovery. The company is also rolling out Advanced Network Automation (ANA) and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) to enhance monitoring and outage response.

“These systems automatically isolate affected sections and restore power to healthy portions of the line,” Savet said, adding that automation “greatly shortens restoration time.”

Meralco has already installed about 165,000 smart meters and targets 190,000 by the end of the year, with plans to expand to 12 million units within the decade. Smart meters are expected to support distributed energy resources such as rooftop solar and battery storage, allowing customers to maintain supply during major disruptions.

The company is also working with local governments and the Philippine National Police to address illegal connections and pole overloading, which pose safety and reliability risks. Its Anti-Urban Blight Program, now covering 58 municipalities, targets the removal of unauthorized attachments and tangled lines. Meralco’s K-Rep program likewise assists informal settlers in securing safe wiring and legitimate service connections.

Savet said underground cabling remains limited to areas where it is technically and economically viable, such as major business and commercial districts. “Resiliency isn’t just about recovery—it’s about readiness,” he said. “Our goal is to build a power system that can take a hit and still stand.”

Do you think grid-disaster proofing and digital automation will define the future of energy resilience in the Philippines?

Follow Power Philippines on Facebook and LinkedIn or join our Viber community for more updates.