Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) announced over the weekend it is investing heavily to upgrade its distribution network to enable the seamless integration of renewable energy for a smarter, safer power grid.
Meralco first vice president and head of networks Froilan Savet said during the Berde Renewables Collaboration Summit 2025 the flow of power generation has evolved from a single point to multiple directions due to the rise of solar rooftops, batteries, electric vehicles and microgrids.
He said this makes the role of distribution utilities like Meralco even more critical in ensuring that these technologies do not strain the grid.
“The energy transition is already happening right now. The challenge for utilities is how quickly they can adapt to changes in the energy landscape while maintaining grid stability and reliability. In Meralco, we’re not just preparing for it. We’re enabling it,” Savet said.
Savet said part of Meralco’s grid modernization program is the integration of distribution energy resources (DERs) into its distribution system To keep up with these innovative technologies.
“Meralco is modernizing its grid to support the significant integration of renewable energy at its distribution system. We are not just distributing power to homes and businesses. We are now enabling a clean, flexible, and intelligent energy system toward a decentralized grid,” Savet said.
Under its grid modernization program, the company has laid out its DER strategy through the 4-I, specifically framework : integration, innovation, intelligence, and interoperability.
The integration pillar ensures that each new DER connection strengthens—rather than strain—the grid while innovation focuses on promoting new solutions and technologies, such as battery energy storage, grid-forming inverters, and microgrids to enhance its distribution network and build a smarter grid.
Meralco is also leveraging Intelligence through the use of artificial intelligence (AI), to gain real-time visibility and control—enabling faster response and more accurate forecasting.
Its interoperability strategy also ensures that different technologies connected to the grid operate smoothly and securely through standardized devices, harmonized protocols, and with strengthened cybersecurity.
Meralco is also upskilling its workforce to manage and operate a more complex grid, while closely aligning with regulators and policymakers to ensure compliance with national energy policies.