Meralco backs up PLDT data center in Laguna with P140 million substation

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) is looking to invest P140 million to build a custom-designed substation that will serve the power requirements of PLDT Inc.’s 11th and largest hyperscale data center facility in Laguna.

Meralco  has teamed up with the PLDT Group to ensure that the country’s largest hyperscale data center will have reliable and high-quality electricity service once it starts operations.

It is building a custom-designed substation on the site of VITRO Sta. Rosa, the telco’s 11th hyperscale data center, which is being constructed in a five-hectare property in Laguna.

In a text message, Meralco senior vice president and head of networks Ronnie Aperocho said the company has set a project cost of around P140 million and target completion in June 2023.

These, however, are still subject to the approval of the Energy Regulatory Commission, he said.

The Meralco substation will have the capability to scale up and address the growing power demand of the facility over time through the installation of additional power banks.

This substation design will also provide resilient and flexible power to the data center, ensuring service continuity that goes beyond the standard requirements of the TIA-942 Rated 3 coverage.

As a power-intensive facility, PLDT recognizes the environmental impact of operating a data center of this capacity and has therefore integrated sustainability into its design and operations.

“Beyond providing the massive power requirements of the hyperscale data center, Meralco also commits to support PLDT’s thrust to utilize renewable energy (RE) and energy efficient technologies to make the data center operations truly sustainable,” Meralco president and CEO Ray Espinosa said.