The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) said it supports using a competitive selection process, or public bidding, when choosing private sector partners for electric cooperatives (ECs).
Company official Arnel Paciano Casanova said this approach would ensure transparency in planned upgrades and investments.
Meralco plans to invest in ECs by providing funding and improving workers’ skills and equipment. Casanova said many ECs struggle due to limited capital, as running power distribution systems requires large investments.
The company is looking at possible partnerships with the Batangas 1 Electric Cooperative, Batangas 2 Electric Cooperative, and South Cotabato 2 Electric Cooperative.
Casanova said Meralco may take a controlling stake in these cooperatives because system upgrades could cost billions of pesos. However, he added that local management teams would remain in place, provided they are capable and experienced.
Meralco did not disclose how much it plans to invest.
Currently, Meralco’s service area covers about three percent of the Philippines, including the National Capital Region and nearby provinces. Nationwide, there are 121 electric cooperatives and 10 other private distribution utilities operating outside Meralco’s franchise areas.
