Manila Electric Company (Meralco) is moving forward with its Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Program by leveraging cooperation with American technology providers to prepare its network for greater renewable integration and grid-edge intelligence, as well as the rollout of 12 million smart meters across its franchise area over the next decade.

The distribution utility participated in the US-Philippines Smart Grid Technologies Reverse Trade Mission (RTM) hosted by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency from February 1 to 11. It is at this event where senior Philippine energy leaders engaged with US technology firms, cybersecurity experts, regulators, and policymakers.

The program showcased next-generation grid technologies, innovative financing and rate-recovery mechanisms, as well as regulatory best practices aimed at improving operational efficiency and enabling large-scale integration of renewable and distributed energy resources (DERs).

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 engagements in San Diego and Silicon Valley in California, as well as Washington, DC.

“Grid modernization is a key pillar of Meralco’s strategy to meet evolving customer needs and ensure long-term operational resilience. As we increasingly leverage artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, and robust cybersecurity capabilities, our participation in this trade mission supports our broader digital transformation agenda—gaining firsthand insights into best practices that can strengthen grid-edge intelligence, safeguard critical infrastructure, and accelerate our grid transformation initiatives,” Aperocho said.

Meralco said the AMI program will provide granular, near real-time data to support analytics-driven decision-making and customer empowerment. The initiative is also expected to underpin the planned Grid-Edge Operations and Control Center (GEOCC), which will work in tandem with the existing System Control Center by incorporating low-voltage situational awareness into daily operations.

When combined with the planned Distributed Energy Resources Management System (DERMS), the GEOCC will enable more coordinated management of distributed energy resources, demand response programs, and emerging grid services.

The trade mission also included participation in live demonstrations of advanced grid technologies, attendance at the DistribuTECH International (DTECH) conference in San Diego, and a tour of the Stanford Central Energy Facility, which showcases integrated energy management systems in operation.

As Meralco invests in artificial intelligence, data-driven operations, DER integration, and cybersecurity capabilities, how will these modernization initiatives translate into tangible improvements in reliability and customer experience across its franchise area?

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