Meralco may tap Siemens for smart grid solutions

MANILA, Philippines - Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), the country’s largest power distributor, is looking at the possibility of engaging the services of Siemens AG, a global electrical engineering conglomerate.

Meralco president Jose de Jesus said Siemens has made a formal offer to introduce smart grid solutions to further improve the distribution utility’s performance.

“They approached us. In fact they brought some of our people to their working model in Greece,” De Jesus said, adding that they are now in the exploratory stage to develop the so-called smart grid technology.

De Jesus said the company is looking at all opportunities to help improve its services.

“(Meralco’s thrust is to move towards a smart grid) to improve the system performance and management,” he said.

With the entry of new partners including the Philippine Long Distance Co. (PLDT), Meralco is optimistic that various synergies would be developed in relation to the improvement of non-allied services such as implementation of pre-paid metering and broadband over power lines.

Aside from PLDT, Meralco is now under new management the Lopezes and the San Miguel Corp.

Siemens has been working closely with Meralco for the past years.

Meralco awarded to Siemens contracts to supply 115 kilovolt and 83 megavolt ampere transformers to Meralco substations in Central Business Park, Roxas Blvd. and Fort Bonifacio Global City in Makati.

Siemens also energized the 300MVA transformer and substation equipment in Meralco’s newly installed 230-kilovolt substation in Amadeo, Cavite.

Siemens is a key player in the energy and healthcare business in over 190 countries. Its energy portfolio showcases a complete spectrum of products, services, and solutions for the generation, transmission, and distribution of power and for the extraction, conversion, and transport of oil and gas.