Meralco Readies Hub for Decentralized Grid

Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), the country’s largest power distributor, plans to build a new operations and control center by 2030 to enhance network resiliency and prepare for a more decentralized power system, subject to approval from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

At a media briefing on Friday, Meralco First Vice President and Head of Networks Froilan J. Savet said the facility, dubbed as Grid Edge Operations and Control Center (GEOCC), will serve as a modern operations hub overseeing the company’s “last mile” assets. 

It will also house the company’s interconnected facilities, including smart meters, distributed energy resources, net-metering systems, embedded generation, and electric vehicle charging stations.

“We will call it the Grid Edge Operations and Control Center. That’s really necessary for resiliency and to respond to the changing energy landscape,” Savet said.

The facility will be located near the Lopez Building and form part of what Meralco will call its new Operations Building. Savet said the company plans to include the GEOCC in its rate reset application with the power regulator.

He added that the project will support Meralco’s transition to a potential future role as a Distribution System Operator, which is recognized under the Philippine Electricity Market Corporation’s (PEMC's) rules and by the Department of Energy.

There’s an emerging role for distribution utilities under the PEMC rules. I think the DOE has recognized the role of the distribution system operator,” Savet said. 

“Because the system operator manages large-scale operations, but at the distribution level, customers are beginning to aggregate, they can choose their own generators, and in the future, peer-to-peer energy trading may become possible.

He said the GEOCC is key to managing technological advances that are reshaping energy use among consumers.

“This is to help us keep up with technological advancements—such as electric vehicle charging stations, battery systems, and customers installing their own solar rooftop,” Savet said.

Meralco operates one of the country’s most advanced System Control Centers (SCC), which serves as the hub of its distribution operations. 

Equipped with Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition and Advanced Distribution Management System technologies, the SCC allows real-time monitoring and control of Meralco’s entire network, including high-voltage facilities and substations.

Through the SCC, Meralco can quickly detect and isolate faults, restore power faster, and efficiently manage network performance—ensuring reliable and continuous electricity service across its franchise area.