The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has installed a solar microgrid in Cagbalete Island in line with their efforts to provide electricity to its underserved or unserved franchise areas.
The technology is set to provide round-the-clock power to 200 households in the 1,795 hectare island.
The project has two phases. The first phase will be 60 kilowatts (kW) of electricity, with the second phase targeted to expand generating capacity to around 1000 kW by the end of the year.
The power distribution company aims to provide for more than 600 families plus the surrounding resorts as it only currently provides its services to 200 families in the island.
Simultaneous ceremonies were both held in Cagbalete Island and Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.
Present during the ceremonies were the Department of Energy (DOE) Undersecretaries Jesus Posadas and Felix William Fuentebella, Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Chairperson Agnes VST Devanadera, Meralco First VP and Head Customer Retail Services and Corporate Communications Victor Genuino, Meralco President and CEO Atty. Ray C. Espinosa, Meralco Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, Mauban Quezon Mayor Marita Llamas, and Meralco Senior Vice President and Networks and Head Ronnie L. Aperocho.
“These projects are a continuation of our pursuit of providing a more reliable, affordable, and sustainable electric service,” Aperocho said.
“Our approach of using renewable energy to energize geographically isolated locations addresses the need to reduce carbon footprint while providing electricity to unserved and underserved areas,” he added.
