MERALCO Bolsters Quezon City's Power

In response to the burgeoning power needs of Quezon City, the Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) has undertaken a significant expansion of its Eton Centris Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) Substation.

Powering Quezon City's Growth: The recently expanded Eton Centris GIS Substation, a P201.34-million project by MERALCO, stands as a key infrastructure upgrade to meet the increasing power demands of commercial establishments and residential customers in the city. The substation supports major developments, including MRT 7’s North Avenue and QC Memorial Stations, and underscores MERALCO's commitment to delivering reliable electricity service. | Photo: MERALCO

This strategic move, spearheaded by the Manuel V. Pangilinan-led utility giant, underscores MERALCO’s commitment to supporting the city’s rapid commercial and residential growth.

The P201.34-million project, which includes the installation of an 83 MVA power transformer, a 34.5 kilovolt (kV) GIS, a 14.4 MVAR capacitor bank, and four additional distribution feeders, is set to enhance the electricity distribution infrastructure within Quezon City.

The expansion aims to cater to large-load customers, including high-profile establishments such as Eton Centris, Ayala Vertis North, Alveo Highpark, TriNoma, and Solaire Hotel & Casino.

This initiative also bolsters MERALCO’s ability to meet the power demands of key government projects, notably the MRT 7’s North Avenue and QC Memorial Stations, and the facilities of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

MERALCO’s continuous investment in infrastructure is a testament to its mission of delivering safe, stable, and reliable electricity services to its ever-growing customer base.

This expansion is a critical component of the company’s broader strategy to fortify its distribution network and ensure that the power needs of one of Metro Manila’s busiest urban centers are met efficiently and sustainably.

Strong Legislative and Consumer Backing for MERALCO’s Franchise Extension

MERALCO’s role as a cornerstone of the Philippine energy sector has been reaffirmed with the recent approval by the House Committee on Legislative Franchises to extend the company’s franchise for another 25 years.

This development marks a significant victory for MERALCO, reflecting broad legislative and consumer support.

The franchise extension, championed by key legislative figures, including Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda, has been lauded as a crucial step in the country’s industrial policy.

The committee’s endorsement of the consolidated bills for the franchise renewal highlights the vital role MERALCO plays in powering the Philippine economy.

Rep. Salceda emphasized that MERALCO’s reliability and adherence to its service mandates have earned it the trust of both lawmakers and the business community.

"MERALCO’s consistent performance and service reliability are pivotal in driving economic growth and development, especially in areas that contribute significantly to the country’s GDP," Salceda noted.

The support for MERALCO’s franchise renewal extends beyond the legislative halls, with consumer advocacy group Laban Konsyumer Inc. (LKI) is also throwing its weight behind the initiative.

LKI commended MERALCO’s competitive selection process (CSP), which ensures that power supply contracts are secured at the lowest cost, benefiting consumers with stable and affordable electricity rates.

LKI highlighted that MERALCO’s current rates, which stand at P11.60/kWh for typical residential customers, are competitive compared to other private distributors and electric cooperatives.

The strong alignment between legislative and consumer sectors underscores the critical importance of MERALCO’s continued operation under a renewed franchise.

The extension not only promises to secure the economic benefits brought by a reliable power supply but also safeguards consumer welfare by maintaining competitive electricity rates.

As the bill moves forward, the widespread support suggests a smooth passage through the legislative process, ensuring that MERALCO remains a key player in the nation’s growth and development for the foreseeable future.