Meralco shortlisted for New Clark City power supply

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) has been shortlisted to provide power distribution services in New Clark City in Tarlac.

Meralco is among the two power distributors eligible to partner with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) in putting up a power distribution network in New Clark City, Meralco president Oscar Reyes said on the sidelines of the 44th Philippine Business Conference and  Expo.

The power firm is undertaking a study on the supply requirements of the upcoming city in the north, Reyes said.

While the agency previously announced its target to award the contract by September, this could take longer since BCDA’s requirements are “very stringent,” Reyes said.

Meralco operates Clark Electric Distribution Corp., the sole electric distribution company in the Clark Special Economic Zone in Pampanga.

New Clark City is envisioned to be the country’s first smart, disaster-resilient, and sustainable city.  It is among the priority projects in the government’s infrastructure plan.

Because of its strategic location in Northwest Luzon, it is being positioned as one of the solutions to decongest Metro Manila as several government agencies would be relocated there.

The planned community spans 9,450 hectares and is estimated to house up to 1.12 million people.

The first phase of the development covering 60 hec-tares will feature the National Government Administrative Center, where at least 21 government offices are being considered for relocation to Clark.

The township will also house back-up offices of various government agencies and a world-class sports complex being constructed in time for the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

The new metropolis will have residential, commercial, agro-industrial, educational institutions, and other information technology developments.

Meralco is the country’s largest power distributor and its franchise area covers Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite and Rizal, as well as certain areas in Batangas, Laguna, Pampanga and Quezon.