GE works towards more cost-effective household consumption with Smart Grid

MANILA, Philippines - Checking energy use at anytime during the billing period will be possible with the implementation of the Smart Grid system that is currently in the initial stages of development in the country. According to GE Philippines CEO Jocot De Dios, its Smart Grid collaboration with Meralco is ongoing, and this project aims to have smart meters as the standard of service.

De Dios, who was one of the speakers at the recent International Electric Research Exchange (IERE) Technological Issues and Solutions (TIS)-Asia Meeting in Manila, explained that the Smart Grid application, starting with the use of smart meters, holds multiple benefits for consumers. “These meters are able to communicate and send data practically in real time, as regularly as possible. The envisioned architecture will allow consumers to ask Meralco about their consumption, with the use of their mobile phones.” Consumers on prepaid electricity service will also receive alerts via SMS a few days before their credit is estimated to be consumed.

Dr. and engineer Bartosz Wojszczyk, managing director for GE Digital Energy Global Growth and Strategy, who was also a speaker at the recent conference, said that more than having a concept where one size fits all, the GE initiative is to look for localized solutions. “Smart Grid has different definitions and drivers per country, per region, per continent. In many places, it is done differently for each country.” In the Philippines, he explained, The Smart Meter is already being tested in pilot areas, with more communities to be covered within the year. “With Meralco, the goal is a smart grid investment by 2021, through a 10-year plan. It will not be a one-time investment. It is a process, and the first step is being taken.”   

De Dios added, “As the system integrator, GE is working with Meralco and the software and hardware vendors to help them implement the system. GE has the reputation for innovation and global expertise. More than just providing technology, we would like to provide value, based on our understanding and experiences around the world in the regulatory, social context, which we are adapting to the Philippine context.”