BATANGAS CITY — Meralco is investing in electricity distribution infrastructure in Batangas to support rising power demand and economic activity, with its P450-million Pallocan West Substation serving commercial establishments, hospitals, hotels and government offices.
The gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) facility uses smart grid technology that, according to Meralco, improves power quality and makes distribution operations more efficient.
Among the establishments served are SM City Batangas, Wilcon Depot Batangas, Days Hotel by Wyndham Batangas, and Pontefino Hotel and Residences. The facility also supplies United Doctors of St. Camillus de Lellis Hospital and Medical Center and Jesus of Nazareth Hospital Batangas.
Government facilities served include the Office of the Vice Governor, the Batangas Provincial Disaster Risk, Evaluation, Alleviation and Mitigation Zone, the Bureau of Internal Revenue District Office–Batangas City, and the Batangas City Hall of Justice.
Meralco, led by Manuel V. Pangilinan, said its investments aim to provide safe, reliable and continuous electricity service while supporting the province’s development.
Arnel D. Casanova, Meralco senior vice president and head of Strategic DU Partnerships, said the company wants a distribution system capable of meeting current customer requirements and keeping pace with technologies that can support economic growth in the coming years.
Its longer-term modernization program includes investment in Advanced Metering Infrastructure, smart meters and other customer-focused solutions.
Alongside infrastructure upgrades, Meralco reported improvements in its company-wide service indicators. Average interruption frequency declined to 0.426 in January–June 2026 from 0.477 in the corresponding period of 2025.
Average interruption duration improved by about 8 percent to 46.575 minutes from 50.570 minutes. The company said these results followed its best-ever interruption frequency and duration performance in 2025.
New electricity connections were also processed faster. Average time to connect reached 2.23 days in the first half of 2026, compared with 2.38 days in 2025.
Meralco currently serves Sto. Tomas, Batangas City and San Pascual and said it aims to support economic growth in other parts of the province. It has formally expressed readiness to support BATELEC I and II and to work with local governments, electric cooperatives and residents.| BNN Integrated News
