By Tracy Cabrera
BARANGAY UGONG, Pasig City — The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) is expanding its investments in smart metering technology as part of its continuing efforts to modernize the power distribution network, improve operational efficiency and strengthen the integrity of its metering system.
According to Meralco vice president and corporate communications head Joe Zaldarriaga, they are currently enhancing their Elevated Metering Transformation (EMX) as part of its broader grid modernization program and ongoing investment in digital infrastructure.
The EMX is an upgraded version of its Elevated Metering Center (EMC) that is integrated with Meralco’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and enables remote meter reading, disconnection and reconnection while providing greater protection for metering facilities.
The platform also gives the company better visibility over its distribution network, allowing it to identify potential meter irregularities and electricity pilferage earlier while improving the efficiency of field operations.
Zaldarriaga cited that for consumers, the investment is intended to improve service reliability while enabling faster meter-related transactions through remote reading, disconnection and reconnection.
On the other hand, it likewise signals for investors that Meralco’s continued capital spending on grid modernization and digitalization underscores the company’s focus on improving operational efficiency and protecting revenues by reducing non-technical losses such as electricity pilferage.
Zaldarriaga also pointed out that the investment comes as power distributors accelerate the adoption of digital technologies to improve grid reliability, curb electricity losses and meet rising power demand more efficiently.
“The EMX initiative complements Meralco’s wider deployment of smart grid technologies as the company upgrades infrastructure to support the growing electricity requirements of its more than eight million customers,” he noted.
ia/xf
