The Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Company (Meralco) announced that it is ready to support business expansions and new investments in Batangas, thus positioning itself as a key energy partner for one of the country’s fastest-growing economic provinces.

Meralco currently serves the cities and municipalities of Sto. Tomas, Batangas City, and San Pascual, and is preparing to extend its power distribution services to more areas of the province. The company cited Batangas’s strong economic performance and increasing electricity demand as drivers of this expansion.

Meralco Senior Vice President and Chief External and Government Affairs Officer Arnel D. Casanova said the company aims to work alongside local electric cooperatives to improve the reliability and quality of power supply in the region.

“Meralco is committed to supporting BATELEC I and II by investing capital and deploying technical expertise to enhance electricity service in the province. We’re here to empower—not replace—electric cooperatives,” Casanova said.

Earlier this year, Meralco formally submitted a joint-venture proposal to Batangas Electric Cooperative I and II (BATELEC I and II) to strengthen electricity service delivery and address the province’s growing energy needs.

From 1992 to 2024, Meralco-serviced areas in Batangas recorded a 13.6% cumulative annual growth rate, significantly higher than non-Meralco areas. In 2024, energy sales in Meralco’s Batangas coverage reached 2,034 MW, nearly double that of BATELEC II’s 1,304 MW and almost four times BATELEC I’s 547 MW.

Casanova said Meralco’s presence in Batangas forms part of its broader mission to promote inclusive growth by expanding access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable power, which supports the province’s industrial and infrastructure development.

“Batangas is a vital growth corridor for the Philippines, and Meralco stands ready to power that progress,” he said.

Do you think stronger partnerships between Meralco and local cooperatives can help accelerate industrial growth in Batangas?

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