Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), the country’s largest power distributor, is considering various approaches to enhance power supply and reliability in Batangas following requests from the local government and consumers.

Meralco executive vice president and chief operating officer Ronnie L. Aperocho confirmed to reporters that the company is exploring strategies, including a potential joint venture with local power providers.

However, he noted that any collaboration would need coordination with the National Electrification Administration (NEA) and adherence to existing regulations.

Looking at a different approach

“We are looking at a different approach. It could be a joint venture or whatever. Of course, we are cautious. We need to coordinate to align with NEA and other concerned organizations where we have to clear any agreement. Whatever the modalities, we would abide by or comply with the prevailing regulations,” Aperocho said.

“If Meralco could help improve the service in the entire province of Batangas, why not? In fact, we have received a request from the local government, even from the customers themselves, for Meralco to improve their supply, or power reliability,” he added.

Potential collaboration

The potential collaboration with Batangas Electric Cooperative I (BATELEC I) and Batangas Electric Cooperative II (BATELEC II) aims to resolve power supply issues in the province.

BATELEC I serves one city and 11 municipalities in the western part of Batangas, while BATELEC II covers two cities and 15 municipalities in the eastern part. Combined, the cooperatives serve over 500,000 consumers.

As of March, Meralco’s customer base stood at 8.1 million, a 3 percent increase from 7.9 million the previous year, as the company continued to energize new customers for regular and project-covered applications.