Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) has opened a competitive bidding process for 600 megawatts (MW) of baseload power supply as it seeks to secure additional capacity for its growing demand requirements beginning in 2028.

The distribution utility said it has started the Competitive Selection Process (CSP) for the supply requirement after receiving a Certificate of Conformity from the Department of Energy (DOE), allowing the procurement to move forward following more than a year of regulatory review.

The planned procurement covers a 15-year Power Supply Agreement (PSA) for an initial 300 MW of capacity starting February 26, 2028. An additional 300 MW will be added beginning February 26, 2029, subject to approval by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

The procurement forms part of Meralco’s latest Power Supply Procurement Plan that has been approved and accepted by the DOE.

Through its Bids and Awards Committee for PSAs, Meralco is inviting power generation companies to submit Expressions of Interest by July 14. The pre-bid conference is scheduled for July 28, while bid submissions are due on September 1.

Meralco said the CSP will be technology-neutral, allowing all generation technologies that meet the technical and commercial requirements to participate, subject to the terms of reference and the DOE’s Energy Mix Policy under Department Circular No. DC2026-02-0005.

The utility said the competitive bidding process is designed to procure supply based on least-cost parameters while helping ensure adequate and reliable electricity service for consumers.

“This CSP forms part of Meralco’s continuing commitment to securing reliable, adequate, and competitively priced power supply for customers through a transparent and competitive procurement process,” Meralco BAC-PSA Chairman Lawrence S. Fernandez said.

What are your thoughts on Meralco’s planned 600-MW procurement and its potential impact on future power supply and electricity rates?

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