Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) aims to install an additional 1,500 circuit kilometers of underground power cables across its franchise area by 2030, positioning the shift as a key step toward grid modernization and improved resiliency.

During a media roundtable on October 17, the company said the expansion will prioritize financial districts, commercial centers, heritage zones, tourist hubs, and locations frequently hit by typhoons.

The rollout will be submitted under Meralco’s capital expenditure (CAPEX) program for the first regulatory period.

“Undergrounding is not for all. It is going to be location specific,” Meralco FVP and Head of Networks Froilan J. Savet said during a media roundtable. He explained that each project undergoes detailed technical and economic evaluation to determine if underground cabling is viable for the area.

Around 97% of Meralco’s existing distribution system remains overhead, consistent with standards approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). Savet said underground lines are significantly more expensive—roughly 10 times the cost of overhead systems—but can deliver long-term reliability gains in critical or high-value zones.

He added that it is generally easier to implement underground lines in greenfield areas, where new developments allow proper planning and integration with other utilities.

By contrast, converting existing or brownfield areas involves a complex process that requires coordination with telecommunication providers, local governments, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and water utilities, particularly to align with roadworks and flood control projects.

While underground lines are less prone to interruptions caused by strong winds and accidents, Savet noted that fault detection and restoration may take longer. These tasks often rely on Meralco’s Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) and smart metering infrastructure to isolate and restore service efficiently.

Meralco currently operates around 567 circuit kilometers of underground lines across key locations including Bonifacio Global City, Rockwell, Vertis North, Bridgetowne, and select areas in Makati, Pasay, and Manila.

Do you think underground cabling is the next big step in modernizing the country’s power infrastructure?

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