BUSINESS
Advocates Philippines
Meralco Powers Ahead With Greener, Safer, And Smarter Grid
Contributed Photo
The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) is stepping up its drive for safer and more sustainable operations with the full rollout of its Greening the Network (GTN) program—an initiative designed to modernize the country’s largest power distribution system while reducing its environmental footprint.
Launched in 2022 and anchored on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, GTN is transforming Meralco’s infrastructure into a future-ready grid. The program focuses on replacing less sustainable materials, integrating renewable energy, and introducing innovations that make operations safer and more resilient.
One of its biggest achievements is the large-scale adoption of eco-friendly insulating fluids. Nearly 60,000 of Meralco’s distribution transformers now run on natural ester oil (NEO), a 99% biodegradable alternative derived from crops like soybean and corn. The company also deployed the country’s first ester oil-filled substation power transformer and 12 NEO-insulated voltage regulators—marking a decisive shift away from conventional, less sustainable equipment.
Meralco is also pioneering the replacement of lead-acid batteries with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) units in its substations, targeting full adoption by 2030. On top of this, the company has kept sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆)—a potent greenhouse gas—at just 0.30%, well below industry benchmarks, while phasing in low-emission switchgear.
The GTN program extends beyond technical upgrades. To minimize risks from older infrastructure, more than 21,000 creosote-treated wooden poles have been replaced with concrete and steel. Efforts to reduce plastic waste are also underway, from downsizing meter seals to piloting biodegradable meter bags.
Crucially, Meralco continues to expand renewable energy integration. As of 2024, the company has interconnected 729 MW of renewable capacity from embedded generators, net metering projects, microgrids, and battery storage. By 2027, it aims to bring this up to 1.3 GW—underscoring its role as a key enabler of the country’s clean energy transition.
“These milestones demonstrate Meralco’s commitment to embed sustainability at the core of our operations while ensuring reliable, affordable, and future-ready energy solutions,” said Froilan J. Savet, Meralco First Vice President and Head of Networks. “Through Greening the Network, we are not only making our system more sustainable but also powering a low-carbon future for the country.”
Now in its 122nd year, Meralco continues to push its broader sustainability agenda, Powering the Good Life, anchored on four pillars—Power, Planet, People, and Prosperity. Through GTN, the utility giant shows how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand in shaping a cleaner, greener energy future for Filipinos.
Launched in 2022 and anchored on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, GTN is transforming Meralco’s infrastructure into a future-ready grid. The program focuses on replacing less sustainable materials, integrating renewable energy, and introducing innovations that make operations safer and more resilient.
One of its biggest achievements is the large-scale adoption of eco-friendly insulating fluids. Nearly 60,000 of Meralco’s distribution transformers now run on natural ester oil (NEO), a 99% biodegradable alternative derived from crops like soybean and corn. The company also deployed the country’s first ester oil-filled substation power transformer and 12 NEO-insulated voltage regulators—marking a decisive shift away from conventional, less sustainable equipment.
Meralco is also pioneering the replacement of lead-acid batteries with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) units in its substations, targeting full adoption by 2030. On top of this, the company has kept sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆)—a potent greenhouse gas—at just 0.30%, well below industry benchmarks, while phasing in low-emission switchgear.
The GTN program extends beyond technical upgrades. To minimize risks from older infrastructure, more than 21,000 creosote-treated wooden poles have been replaced with concrete and steel. Efforts to reduce plastic waste are also underway, from downsizing meter seals to piloting biodegradable meter bags.
Crucially, Meralco continues to expand renewable energy integration. As of 2024, the company has interconnected 729 MW of renewable capacity from embedded generators, net metering projects, microgrids, and battery storage. By 2027, it aims to bring this up to 1.3 GW—underscoring its role as a key enabler of the country’s clean energy transition.
“These milestones demonstrate Meralco’s commitment to embed sustainability at the core of our operations while ensuring reliable, affordable, and future-ready energy solutions,” said Froilan J. Savet, Meralco First Vice President and Head of Networks. “Through Greening the Network, we are not only making our system more sustainable but also powering a low-carbon future for the country.”
Now in its 122nd year, Meralco continues to push its broader sustainability agenda, Powering the Good Life, anchored on four pillars—Power, Planet, People, and Prosperity. Through GTN, the utility giant shows how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand in shaping a cleaner, greener energy future for Filipinos.
Sep 13, 2025
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