Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), the country’s largest power distributor, has completed nine major capital expenditure projects worth P1.967 billion in the second quarter to boost service reliability.

“As demand continues to grow, we will continue to upgrade and expand our facilities and strengthen our distribution network, which serves as the backbone of our efforts to support the country’s economic development,” Meralco first vice president and head of Networks Froilan J. Savet said on Wednesday.

From April to June, Meralco added 450 megavolt-amperes in capacity through projects in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Laguna and Quezon.

ASEANA

These include the new ASEANA Gas Insulated Switchgear Substation in Parañaque, expansions of the Bridgetowne and Makati substations, and an upgraded Tayabas Power Transformer.

The company also completed sub-transmission upgrades in Laguna and Bulacan, launched its first fully indoor GIS switching station in Quezon City, and modernized the Abubot Substation in Cavite to support commercial, healthcare, and large industrial customers.

“These projects are part of Meralco’s broader network enhancement strategy, ensuring that our infrastructure is future-ready to meet growing energy demand while improving operational flexibility and service reliability,” Savet said.

Strong returns

Meralco reported a consolidated core net income of P25.5 billion in the first half, up 10 percent from P23.2 billion a year earlier, driven by strong returns from its generation and retail electricity businesses.

Consolidated reported net income also grew 5 percent to P23.6 billion from P22.4 billion last year.