BUSINESS
Advocates Philippines
Meralco Charts A Bold Path For The Future Of Energy Through Digital Transformation
Contributed Photo
Meralco, the country’s largest power distributor, is taking decisive steps to redefine the future of energy in the Philippines—through innovation, digital transformation, and a bold vision for a smarter, more sustainable energy system.
At a time when the energy landscape is rapidly evolving—with the rise of renewable sources, cybersecurity challenges, and growing demands for resilience—Meralco is leading the charge by modernizing its century-old infrastructure to meet the needs of today and tomorrow.
This commitment was front and center at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona, where Meralco showcased its comprehensive digital strategy to a global audience. The company’s participation in this premier ICT event highlighted how energy and digital innovation now go hand-in-hand.
A Strategy Built on Seven Pillars
Meralco’s transformation is guided by its 7Ds Digital Transformation Strategy, a roadmap anchored on seven interconnected pillars: Digital Customer, Digital Grid, Digital Employee, Digital Enterprise, Data Platforms and AI, Digital Infrastructure, and Digital Communications.
“These aren’t just isolated projects—they work together to deliver a smarter, more responsive energy service for every Filipino,” said Rocky D. Bacani, Meralco First Vice President and Head of ICT and Transformation.
The strategy focuses on improving operational efficiency, enabling data-informed decision-making, and creating a more seamless customer experience—all while embracing cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing.
Empowering Customers Through Digital Tools
Central to Meralco’s customer-focused transformation is the My Meralco App, launched in February 2025. This app brings the company’s services to customers’ fingertips—offering real-time updates, billing and payment services, consumption insights, and easier access to support.
“With the My Meralco App, we’re making it easier for our customers to manage their energy needs,” said Ferdinand O. Geluz, Meralco Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer. “It also allows us to scale up—adding one million customers a year—without expanding our physical service centers.”
More than 2.4 million customers have already transitioned to Meralco’s digital platforms, and digital channels now account for two-thirds of customer transactions.
Building a Smarter Grid
Beyond customer-facing innovations, Meralco is making major investments in smart grid technology to modernize its distribution network. At the heart of this effort is the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)—a system of smart meters, communication networks, and data platforms that enable real-time, two-way communication between Meralco and its customers.
Through AMI, Meralco can detect outages faster, respond more efficiently, and provide customers with more accurate, timely energy information. Smart meters also help households monitor their consumption and manage costs more effectively.
Meralco aims to deploy 3.5 million smart meters and 3,600 distribution automation devices over the next four years, with a goal of reaching 11 million meters within a decade.
Laying the Digital Groundwork
To support this transformation, Meralco is strengthening its connectivity backbone. This includes the deployment of High-Speed Power Line Communication (HPLC) in high-rise buildings, as well as the use of narrowband IoT solutions in remote areas.
The company has also adopted a Private LTE Wireless Network, which significantly boosts bandwidth and reduces latency for grid operations—a vital component for real-time monitoring and control.
Next, Meralco is preparing for a cloud-based operational model. This will unify resource management and enhance data visualization, laying the foundation for more advanced analytics and AI integration.
“We expect AI-driven detection to increase efficiency by 50%,” said Geluz. “It will also reduce the need for manual fieldwork during grid events—helping us respond faster and more precisely.”
Leading by Innovation
By aligning itself with global best practices and embracing technology at every level of its operations, Meralco is positioning itself not just as a utility provider, but as a technology-driven energy partner.
“Our mission goes beyond electricity,” Bacani emphasized. “We’re enabling a future where power is not only reliable and affordable, but also intelligent, inclusive, and resilient.”
Through its forward-thinking strategies, Meralco is proving that innovation in the energy sector is no longer optional—it’s essential. And as the country navigates the twin challenges of climate change and digital disruption, Meralco is ensuring that every community, business, and Filipino is empowered by a brighter, more connected future.
At a time when the energy landscape is rapidly evolving—with the rise of renewable sources, cybersecurity challenges, and growing demands for resilience—Meralco is leading the charge by modernizing its century-old infrastructure to meet the needs of today and tomorrow.
This commitment was front and center at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona, where Meralco showcased its comprehensive digital strategy to a global audience. The company’s participation in this premier ICT event highlighted how energy and digital innovation now go hand-in-hand.
A Strategy Built on Seven Pillars
Meralco’s transformation is guided by its 7Ds Digital Transformation Strategy, a roadmap anchored on seven interconnected pillars: Digital Customer, Digital Grid, Digital Employee, Digital Enterprise, Data Platforms and AI, Digital Infrastructure, and Digital Communications.
“These aren’t just isolated projects—they work together to deliver a smarter, more responsive energy service for every Filipino,” said Rocky D. Bacani, Meralco First Vice President and Head of ICT and Transformation.
The strategy focuses on improving operational efficiency, enabling data-informed decision-making, and creating a more seamless customer experience—all while embracing cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing.
Empowering Customers Through Digital Tools
Central to Meralco’s customer-focused transformation is the My Meralco App, launched in February 2025. This app brings the company’s services to customers’ fingertips—offering real-time updates, billing and payment services, consumption insights, and easier access to support.
“With the My Meralco App, we’re making it easier for our customers to manage their energy needs,” said Ferdinand O. Geluz, Meralco Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer. “It also allows us to scale up—adding one million customers a year—without expanding our physical service centers.”
More than 2.4 million customers have already transitioned to Meralco’s digital platforms, and digital channels now account for two-thirds of customer transactions.
Building a Smarter Grid
Beyond customer-facing innovations, Meralco is making major investments in smart grid technology to modernize its distribution network. At the heart of this effort is the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)—a system of smart meters, communication networks, and data platforms that enable real-time, two-way communication between Meralco and its customers.
Through AMI, Meralco can detect outages faster, respond more efficiently, and provide customers with more accurate, timely energy information. Smart meters also help households monitor their consumption and manage costs more effectively.
Meralco aims to deploy 3.5 million smart meters and 3,600 distribution automation devices over the next four years, with a goal of reaching 11 million meters within a decade.
Laying the Digital Groundwork
To support this transformation, Meralco is strengthening its connectivity backbone. This includes the deployment of High-Speed Power Line Communication (HPLC) in high-rise buildings, as well as the use of narrowband IoT solutions in remote areas.
The company has also adopted a Private LTE Wireless Network, which significantly boosts bandwidth and reduces latency for grid operations—a vital component for real-time monitoring and control.
Next, Meralco is preparing for a cloud-based operational model. This will unify resource management and enhance data visualization, laying the foundation for more advanced analytics and AI integration.
“We expect AI-driven detection to increase efficiency by 50%,” said Geluz. “It will also reduce the need for manual fieldwork during grid events—helping us respond faster and more precisely.”
Leading by Innovation
By aligning itself with global best practices and embracing technology at every level of its operations, Meralco is positioning itself not just as a utility provider, but as a technology-driven energy partner.
“Our mission goes beyond electricity,” Bacani emphasized. “We’re enabling a future where power is not only reliable and affordable, but also intelligent, inclusive, and resilient.”
Through its forward-thinking strategies, Meralco is proving that innovation in the energy sector is no longer optional—it’s essential. And as the country navigates the twin challenges of climate change and digital disruption, Meralco is ensuring that every community, business, and Filipino is empowered by a brighter, more connected future.
Jun 16, 2025
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