Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) has switched on a 32 kilowatt solar panel microgrid and 192 kilowatt per hour battery storage facility, which currently provides electricity to 30 households in Barangay San Agapito.
The electric distributor partnered with Batangas City local government unit, and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for Meralco’s first solar microgrid project.
The microgrid project aims to provide much needed energy for the island’s six barangays, while significantly reducing carbon footprint, as well as play a role in providing electricity in unserved or underserved areas.
The project is also in line with the distribution utility’s efforts to use more sustainable energy sources, as well as highlight its efforts on rural electrification.
Residents of San Agapito said that recent developments, investors, and property developers are already in line.
“This is the fulfillment of our promise to provide to the people of Isla Verde,” said Meralco Senior Vice President and Head Networks Ronnie L. Aperocho.
“The project was intentionally pursued using green energy, and with safe and sustainable supply of power, another Batangas destination will be given the opportunity to further develop. We are happy to be of help in uplifting the lives of everyone in the island,” he added.
Other attendees of the event include: DOE Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella, Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas, Batangas City Mayor Beverly Rose Dimacuha, and Meralco VP and Head, Regulatory Management and Regulatory Affairs Jose Ronald V. Valles.
