Manila Electric Company (Meralco) is turning to American technology providers to accelerate its grid modernization as the country’s largest power distributor seeks to deliver smarter, more secure, and future-ready power networks.

The Pangilinan-led firm said Monday that it participated in the recent United States (US)-Philippines Smart Grid Technologies Reverse Trade Mission hosted by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency.

The mission gave Meralco executives firsthand insights from US tech firms, cybersecurity experts, policymakers, and regulators.

It highlighted next-generation energy technologies, innovative financing approaches, and regulatory best practices that can improve operational efficiency and support large-scale integration of renewable and distributed energy resources (DERs).

“Grid modernization is a key pillar of Meralco’s strategy to meet evolving customer needs and ensure long‑term operational resilience,” said Meralco Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Ronnie L. Aperocho.

“As we increasingly leverage artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, and robust cybersecurity capabilities, our participation in this trade mission supports our broader digital transformation agenda—gaining firsthand insights into best practices that can strengthen grid-edge intelligence, safeguard critical infrastructure, and accelerate our grid transformation initiatives,” he added.

Meralco’s modernization efforts center on its Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Program, which aims to roll out around 12 million smart meters over the next decade.

The program will provide granular, near-real-time data to support analytics-driven decision-making and empower customers.

The AMI rollout will also support the planned Grid-Edge Operations and Control Center (GEOCC), complementing the existing System Control Center with low-voltage situational awareness.

Together with the Distributed Energy Resources Management System, the GEOCC will allow more coordinated management of distributed energy resources, demand response programs, and emerging grid services.

Through these initiatives, Meralco is investing heavily in artificial intelligence, data-driven operations, DER integration, and cybersecurity, aiming to turn these collaborations into tangible improvements in efficiency, reliability, and customer experience.