More renewable energy companies are lining up to supply power to Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) amid growing clamor for cleaner and reliable electricity for customers.

Fifteen firms, offering a combined 725 megawatts (MW), have expressed interest in the utility’s Competitive Selection Process (CSP) for its 200-MW baseload supply requirement under the Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS).

Meralco said Wednesday that the companies, which it did not yet disclose, are set to attend the Pre-Bid Conference on 15 January. Those planning to submit formal offers must meet the bid submission deadline on 16 February.

“The strong interest we received reflects confidence in Meralco’s procurement process. We look forward to receiving competitive and compliant bids that will support our efforts to deliver reliable, sustainable, and least-cost electricity to our customers,” said Lawrence S. Fernandez, Chairman of Meralco’s Bids and Awards Committee for Power Supply Agreements.

“As a highly regulated entity, Meralco remains fully committed to upholding the highest standards of transparency, fairness, and regulatory compliance throughout the CSP,” he added.

The resulting four-year Power Supply Agreement, conducted under Meralco’s Department of Energy-approved Power Supply Procurement Plan, will cover the company’s 200-MW baseload requirement for RPS compliance starting 26 January, pending approval from the Energy Regulatory Commission.

Renewable energy is expected to account for 22 percent of Meralco’s total power supply by 2030.