Smart grid necessary for the Philippines

Meralco claims technology is smart solution for expensive energy.

Manila Electric Company, the Philippines’ largest electrical power distributor,

Jose Antonio Valdez, Meralco’s Vice President and Head of Marketing and Customer Solutions and Innovations, said smart grid is a game-changer in the Philippines’ energy sector. He claims the technology will benefit Filipino households with better grid performance, attracts investments, creates jobs and leads to a more secure and sustainable energy supply.

Valdez said using smart grid technologies is not an option but is a necessity for the Philippines given its expensive electricity. Studies revealed that electricity price are expensive because electricity production relies heavily on fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas whose prices are based on international standards.

Valdez said Meralco sees the need to address these concerns and the smart grid is the smartest solution.

“Meralco’s innovation efforts are most directed leveling up customer service, building up intelligence and its distributing network, and making power more affordable,” he saidl.

The smart grid will enable the use of smart meters which will open possibilities for consumers. He noted that these include three advancements: prepaid retail electricity service, home energy management system and electric vehicle charging stations.

Meralco is Metro Manila’s only electric power distributor and holds the power distribution franchise for 22 cities and 89 municipalities across the Philippines,.