Hosted by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) from Feb. 1 to 11, the mission gathered senior government and private-sector energy leaders for high-level discussions with US technology firms, cybersecurity experts, policymakers, and regulators.
The program highlighted next-generation energy technologies, innovative financing and rate-recovery mechanisms, and regulatory best practices designed to enhance operational efficiency and support the large-scale integration of renewable and distributed energy resources (DERs).
Exploring smart technologies
Representing Meralco were executive vice president and chief operating officer Ronnie L. Aperocho and senior vice president and head of networks Froilan J. Savet. The delegation visited San Diego and Silicon Valley in California, as well as Washington, DC.
During the mission, the group attended live demonstrations of advanced grid technologies and explored practical applications aimed at strengthening system operations and protecting critical infrastructure.
They also participated in the DistribuTECH International (DTECH) conference in San Diego and toured the Stanford Central Energy Facility, which showcases integrated large-scale energy management systems.
The mission concluded with high-level discussions at the U.S. State Department alongside industry and policy leaders.
Scaling digital initiatives
Talks focused on how utilities can scale transformational programs, strengthen governance frameworks, phase investments strategically, and coordinate closely with regulators to ensure modernization efforts result in measurable operational and customer benefits.
“Grid modernization is a key pillar of Meralco’s strategy to meet evolving customer needs and ensure long-term operational resilience,” Aperocho said.
He added that leveraging artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, and cybersecurity capabilities is central to the company’s digital transformation agenda.
Meralco’s participation comes as it advances its digitalization and grid-edge initiatives, anchored by its Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Program.
The company targets the rollout of around 12 million smart meters across its franchise area over the next decade. The AMI system is expected to provide granular, near real-time data to support analytics-driven decision-making and enhance customer empowerment.
AI investment
The AMI program will also underpin the planned Grid-Edge Operations and Control Center (GEOCC), which will complement the company’s existing System Control Center by incorporating low-voltage situational awareness into daily operations.
Together with a planned Distributed Energy Resources Management System (DERMS), the GEOCC will enable more coordinated and proactive management of distributed energy resources, demand response programs, and emerging grid services.
Meralco said it remains committed to investing in artificial intelligence, data-driven operations, DER integration, and cybersecurity capabilities as it moves toward building a smarter, more secure, and future-ready power grid. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
