Manila Electric (Meralco), the largest electric distribution utility in the Philippines, is deploying Itron’s advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) with intelligent connectivity.

As part of the collaboration, the network will initially manage 73,000 endpoints across Metro Manila with plans for a multi-year expansion. The collaboration is a key component of Meralco’s smart grid modernisation programme.

Itron’s AMI is a foundational element of its grid edge intelligence portfolio and is designed to deliver long-term value. Intelligent connectivity provides an open, IPv6-based network that leverages Gen5 mesh and cellular networking and supports not only smart metering but also a wide range of grid edge and smart city applications.

For Meralco, the AMI deployment is an important part of its thrust towards a smarter, more responsive electricity system that transforms how electricity is delivered, measured and managed for the utility’s more than eight million customers.

Also included are several Itron components that work together to ensure seamless communication, data management and control across Meralco’s service territory. They work together to provide the utility with:

• Improved operational efficiency through centralised headend system (HES) for control and visibility over endpoints, delivered by UtilityIQ (na.itron.com/products/utilityiq) software
• Near real-time data exchange between field devices and back-end systems, enabled by access points (na.itron.com/products/access-point)
• Reliable and resilient data transmission across the service territory, supported by network interface cards (na.itron.com/products/nic-network-interface-card), which are meter agnostic and compatible with multiple meter vendors
• Extended connectivity in hard-to-reach or complex service areas, made possible by relays (na.itron.com/products/relay)
• Scalable, localised network access in isolated or hard-to-hear environments, facilitated by micro access points (na.itron.com/products/microap)

By investing in Itron’s AMI, Meralco enables near real-time, two-way communication between the utility’s back office and its endpoints. For example, when a power outage occurs, the utility is alerted via the Itron network, allowing for better response and restoration, reducing electricity downtime for customers and improving customer satisfaction.

The infrastructure also lays the foundation for future innovations, such as integrating distributed energy resources (DERs) including rooftop solar and electric vehicles, without requiring additional infrastructure. This infrastructure gives customers more visibility into their energy use so they can better manage their consumption.

“This collaboration signals the beginning of our AMI journey,” said Meralco (company.meralco.com.ph) chief operating officer Ronnie Aperocho. “With Itron’s Gen5, we are building a smart grid that not only supports the country’s push towards advancing the digital economy but also enhances Meralco’s customer-centricity through improved billing services, greater customer visibility into their energy use, and improved response times to outages. We look forward to laying the foundation for a smarter, more sustainable energy future for the Philippines’ power sector.”

John Marcolini, senior vice president at Itron (www.itron.com), added: “We are proud to be a part of Meralco’s smart grid journey. Our proven, scalable Gen5 is upgrading the way Meralco delivers, measures and manages electricity. It is designed to support multiple meter brands, giving Meralco the flexibility to scale without vendor lock-in. For a utility with such a large and diverse service territory, that flexibility is essential to future-proofing deployments and reducing total cost of ownership. We look forward to working together to help Meralco modernise its infrastructure, improve reliability and deliver greater value to their customers, today and well into the future.”