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MANILA, Philippines - Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) has begun discussions on its proposed "smart grid" roadmap.
The smart grid allows consumers control of their energy consumption in a way that reduces electricity use during peak periods, thus reducing the need for building more power plants.
“Customers will be empowered because they will see their consumption at hourly intervals and thus take the actions needed to meet their budgets, or else reschedule activities to off peak hours for lower rates. Globally, the experience has resulted in savings of five to 15 percent,” said Alfredo S. Panlilio, Meralco senior vice president and head of customer retail services and corporate communications.
Smart grid builds intelligence into the electricity network such that distribution utilities like Meralco get real-time feedback on network conditions, consequently minimizing outages and significantly improving restoration and complaints handling.
“The other significant benefit is in the area of outage management and unserved energy reduction especially to our corporate clients where an outage can cost a company millions of pesos in foregone revenues and spoilage of raw material inputs,” said Ricardo V. Buencamino, Meralco executive vice president and head of networks.
Smart grid is the platform that Meralco can use to integrate prepaid electricity. Meralco plans to undertake a technical pilot of prepaid meters within the year.
“Prepaid electricity fits in with the Filipino’s penchant for sachet pricing, dovetails his cash flow, allows for control and sharing of expenses, and avoids the shock of a monthly bill,” said Panlilio.
“For our higher end residential customers, Meralco can offer home area networks that allow them to monitor and switch on or off their appliances remotely through their phones or tablets. We envision a future where there will be an energy management application in the home area networks that will enable and empower customers to optimize their energy usage,” he said.
Smart grid would also allow Meralco to accommodate renewable energy sources.
Meralco has tapped General Electric's Dr. Bartosz Wojszczyk to present its roadmap for smart grid technology to the business community.
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