The Batangas Forum for Good Governance and Development Association, Inc. has formally expressed its full support for the planned joint venture between Manila Electric Company (Meralco) and Batangas II Electric Cooperative (BATELEC II), calling it a crucial step toward a more reliable and modern electricity service in the province.

In a resolution passed on October 29, 2025, the civic group said that affordable, dependable, and technologically advanced electricity service is essential for sustaining economic growth, attracting investments, and improving quality of life in Batangas. It also urged BATELEC II’s leadership to ensure employee protection, fair employment opportunities, and transparency throughout the transition.

The proposed joint venture remains under review by the cooperative’s board. Meralco submitted an unsolicited proposal earlier this year to convert BATELEC II into a stock corporation, allowing the country’s largest power distributor to acquire equity and inject capital for network upgrades, modernization, and system reliability improvements.

As of late October 2025, BATELEC II has yet to issue a formal decision. Meralco has sought clarification from the cooperative on how its offer will be evaluated, including whether a competitive selection process will be used.

The proposal has drawn industry attention after Prime Electric Holdings, affiliated with the Razon group, also expressed interest in partnering with BATELEC II.  

Proponents of the joint venture point to persistent challenges within BATELEC II’s franchise area—such as high system losses, frequent outages, and aging infrastructure—as reasons for introducing private capital and technical expertise. Meralco’s track record in neighboring Batangas City, Sto. Tomas City, and San Pascual, where it already operates, has been cited as proof of its capability to enhance service reliability.

Meralco has also indicated that the BATELEC II proposal could serve as a model for future partnerships, with as many as 15 electric cooperatives reportedly being studied for similar modernization projects.

The joint venture, once approved, will still require regulatory clearance from the National Electrification Administration (NEA) and other government bodies.

Could the Meralco–BATELEC II partnership pave the way for more cooperative–private ventures to modernize the country’s power distribution system? Share your insights.

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