Meralco reaffirms support for DOTr infrastructure projects

The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) committed anew its support for the government's transportation infrastructure development efforts that are crucial to the country's pandemic recovery and economic growth.

In a meeting with the Department of Transportation, Meralco President and CEO Atty. Ray C. Espinosa affirmed the power distributor's assistance through continuing pole relocation and energization activities in support of the agency's ongoing and planned transportation projects geared toward greatly benefiting the public.

"As the country's largest power distribution utility, Meralco is cognizant of the importance of stable and reliable electric service in the timely completion and effective operations of DOTr's infrastructure projects. The government can always count on Meralco's continued and full support for these initiatives which will help spur the Philippines' post-pandemic recovery and renewed drive towards economic progress," Espinosa said.

Among the new transportation projects requiring substantial power supply are the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Packages 2 and 3, North-South Commuter Railway Extension from Calamba to Batangas; MRT-4; LRT-2 East Cogeo Extension; LRT-2 West Extension; LRT-6 Cavite Line A; MRT-7 Extension Project; EDSA Greenways; EDSA Bus Rapid Transit-Busway Concourse; Pasig River Expressway; Southern Access Link Expressway; and Northern Access Link.

Meralco is also currently undertaking a pole relocation project in support of the ongoing construction of the NAIAx-EDSA Tramo Connecting Ramp and Skyway Stage 4.

In May 2019, Meralco and DOTr signed a memorandum of agreement underscoring the parties' close coordination for the timely completion of the Common Station, LRT-1 Cavite Extension, MRT-7, Metro Manila Subway, PNR South Long Haul (from Manila to Sorsogon), and the three phases of the North-South Commuter Railway System, namely PNR North 1 (from Tutuban to Malolos, Bulacan), PNR North 2 (from Malolos to Clark, Pampanga), and PNR South Commuter (from Solis to Calamba, Laguna).

Meralco and DOTr are likewise working together to ensure the timely grant of necessary permits and rights of way, clearances, access, and authority for properties within their jurisdiction, in order for Meralco to fully implement the related relocation projects and to continuously operate its electrical facilities.

Since 2020, Meralco has relocated more than 2,500 poles and energized 21 facilities to support the government's infrastructure projects.

"We are grateful to Meralco for their renewed commitment to support our projects. Long before these projects become operational, Meralco has been and remains a loyal partner in supplying power critical for these projects to prosper," DOTr Secretary Jaime J. Bautista said.