Meralco transforming network into smart grid

MANILA, Philippines -  Power distributor Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) is transforming its network into a smart grid as it eyes to launch its Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project starting mid-2017.

Meralco has filed an application with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) for the deployment of basic AMI services by June 1, 2017.

AMI is an integrated system of smart meters, communications networks and data management systems that enables two-way communication between utilities and customers.

The system will enable Meralco to determine what is happening in its electric grid, quickly respond to events, and restore power swiftly, thereby improve overall operational efficiency.

It will also allow customers to efficiently manage their “energy usage and budget through consumption information, alerts and notifications,” the power distributor said.

The cost for the distribution network upgrade depends on the approval from the ERC, Meralco vice president and head of marketing and customer solutions Jose Antonio Valdez said in a phone interview.

The ERC has yet to approve Meralco’s petition to roll out 235,000 smart meters, which will composed of both prepaid and postpaid.

In the application, Meralco said it is expanding its AMI coverage by installing smart meters and communications infrastructure to fully cover Metro Manila by 2019 and the whole franchise by 2024.

“It’s a start a start of our aggressive roll out of our smart grid journey,” Valdez said. “If approved, we won’t just have smart meters for prepaid but also for postpaid customers.”

Currently, its prepaid AMI areas are Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong, Pasig and parts of Rizal.

“From the identified coverage areas per [regulatory year], and proposed meter installations and replacement, Meralco will be activating an estimated total of 3.3 million customers and targeted points within the distribution network by 2024,” the power distributor said.

Meralco also sought clearance to implement the prepaid retail electricity services (PRES), net metering program, advanced outage management, distribution automation, smart streetlights and other supplemental services.

With the AMI project, Meralco will be able to upgrade its basic services such as remote reading of customers’ meters; remote connection for new customers and disconnection and reconnection for delinquent accounts; detect irregularities in meters; and detect outage in case the meter is lost.

Meralco will also put up an online web portal to provide customers with consumption monitoring and reporting mechanism as well as notification mechanism to keep tabs on monthly electricity usage.

Meralco will also be offering supplemental services such as demand response programs, home area network, management of distributed energy resources, electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) management, smart streetlights, among others.

In terms of security, Meralco said the project will have stringent cybersecurity and data protection measures throughout the network and in compliance with local and international standards.