Execs join US-Philippines smart grid trade mission to expand technology collaboration
As it steps up its grid modernization efforts, Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has strengthened its collaboration with American technology providers as it took part in the US-Philippines Smart Grid Technologies Reverse Trade Mission (RTM).
Hosted by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) from February 1 to 11, the mission brought together senior government and private-sector energy leaders for high-level engagements with US tech firms, cybersecurity experts, policymakers, and regulators. The program showcased next-generation energy technologies, innovative financing and rate-recovery mechanisms, and regulatory best practices aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and enabling the large-scale integration of renewable and distributed energy resources (DERs), among others.
Representing Meralco were Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Ronnie L. Aperocho and Senior Vice President and Head of Networks Froilan J. Savet, who joined the delegation in visits to San Diego and Silicon Valley in California, and Washington, DC.
During the trade mission, the group participated in live demonstrations of advanced grid technologies and discussed practical applications that enhance system operations and protect critical infrastructure. The delegation also attended the DistribuTECH International (DTECH) conference in San Diego, California and toured the Stanford Central Energy Facility, showcasing large-scale, integrated energy management systems in operation.
The trade mission concluded with high-level discussions with the U.S. State Department and industry and policy leaders, focusing on how utilities can successfully scale transformational programs. Key themes included strengthening governance, phasing investments, and coordinating closely with regulators to ensure that modernization efforts translate into tangible improvements in operational performance and customer experience.
“Grid modernization is a key pillar of Meralco’s strategy to meet evolving customer needs and ensure long‑term operational resilience. As we increasingly leverage artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, and robust cybersecurity capabilities, our participation in this trade mission supports our broader digital transformation agenda—gaining firsthand insights into best practices that can strengthen grid-edge intelligence, safeguard critical infrastructure, and accelerate our grid transformation initiatives,” Aperocho said.
Meralco’s participation in the trade mission comes as it advances its digitalization and grid-edge initiatives. Central to these efforts is the power distributor’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Program, which targets the rollout of around 12 million smart meters across its franchise area over the next decade. The AMI program will provide granular, near real-time data that will support analytics-driven decision-making and customer empowerment.
Meralco’s AMI program will also underpin the development of its planned Grid-Edge Operations and Control Center (GEOCC), which will complement its existing System Control Center by incorporating low-voltage situational awareness into daily grid operations. When combined with the planned Distributed Energy Resources Management System (DERMS), the GEOCC will enable more coordinated and proactive management of distributed energy resources, demand response programs, and emerging grid services.
Meralco is committed to investing heavily and forging meaningful collaborations to advance artificial intelligence, data-driven operations, DER integration, and cybersecurity capabilities as part of its continuing journey toward a smarter, more secure, and future-ready power grid.| PR
