MANILA, Philippines — THE Manila Electric Company (Meralco), led by Manuel V. Pangilinan, has reaffirmed its commitment to driving inclusive economic growth as it positions itself as a key partner for businesses and investors expanding into Batangas—an emerging economic hub south of Metro Manila.
With Batangas continuing to attract major industrial and commercial developments, Meralco said it stands ready to meet the province’s growing electricity demand through its advanced distribution network and scalable energy solutions.
Currently, Meralco supplies power to the municipalities of Sto. Tomas, Batangas City, and San Pascual. Building on the economic momentum seen in these areas, the power distributor aims to extend similar growth and energy reliability across the rest of the province.
Meralco Senior Vice President and Chief External and Government Affairs Officer Arnel D. Casanova emphasized the company’s intent to collaborate with the two electric cooperatives serving Batangas—the Batangas Electric Cooperative (BATELEC) I and II.
“Meralco is committed to supporting BATELEC I and II by investing capital and deploying technical expertise to enhance electricity service in the province. We’re here to empower—not replace—electric cooperatives,” Casanova said. “By working together, we can elevate service quality and unlock greater economic potential for Batangas.”
From 1992 to 2024, Meralco-serviced areas in Batangas recorded a cumulative annual growth rate of 13.6%, outperforming growth rates in non-Meralco areas. Despite its limited coverage in the province, Meralco’s energy sales in 2024 reached 2,034 MW, nearly double BATELEC II’s 1,304 MW and almost quadruple BATELEC I’s 547 MW.
Earlier this year, Meralco formally submitted its proposal for a joint venture with BATELEC I and II to further enhance power delivery and reliability across the Southern Tagalog province.
As the country’s largest electric distribution utility, Meralco’s strengthened presence in Batangas reflects its broader mission to bridge energy access gaps, drive industrial growth, and foster inclusive progress—powering the province’s transformation into a major investment destination.
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