Meralco energizes new P597 million Taguig substation

MANILA, Philippines — The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) has energized a new P597-million smart substation in Taguig, which will ensure the stable and reliable power for Ayala Land Inc. (ALI)’s Arca South development and adjacent communities in the area.

The new 115-kilovolt (kV)-34.5 kV gas-insulated switchgear substation was commissioned by Meralco with an initial capacity of 83 megavolt amperes (MVA).

Meralco said the substation would ultimately house three transformer banks with a combined capacity of 249 MVA that will support the existing and future energy requirements of the Arca South development, which is being positioned as a new business and lifestyle district in Taguig City.

Aside from catering to the growing energy needs of the Ayala estate, Meralco said the Arca South substation will also improve voltage regulation in parts of Taguig, as well as provide operational switching flexibility during contingencies and contribute to system loss reduction in the area.

The project is the latest development in Meralco’s longstanding partnership with ALI.

Meralco said it has energized nearly a hundred projects of ALI and its subsidiary, Makati Development Corp., including One Ayala and Seda Manila Bay.

ALI consistently provides a substation lot provision for its estate developments.

“We share a common goal which is to uplift the lives of our people and we encourage the active participation and engagement of the private sector in the present economic programs,” Meralco chairman and chief executive officer Manuel V. Pangilinan said.

In line with the current administration’s priorities under its socio-economic agenda, particularly energy security and infrastructure development, Meralco is investing heavily on projects that will not only improve its electricity distribution system, but also contribute to ensuring that the infrastructure to support the government’s nation-building efforts are in place.

The development of the Arca South substation, for one, forms part of the company’s support to commercial customers like ALI, which play a vital role in the country’s economic growth and development, according to Meralco executive vice president and chief operating officer Ronnie Aperocho.

“The opportunity to participate in the master planning of Ayala estates has allowed Meralco to serve more customers and further cement our commitment to keep the lights on,” he said.

“As a testament to that, this newly energized smart substation in Arca South Taguig will provide safe, adequate, and reliable capacity to serve the existing and future power requirements of this particular Ayala Land development, and the adjacent communities in the area,” Aperocho said.

Among the communities and establishments that will benefit from the new substation include AC Health’s Healthway Cancer Care Hospital, Ayala Malls Arca South, Alveo Veranda, Avida Towers Vireo, Landers Superstore Arca South, Maharlika Village, Puregold FTI Taguig, Sunshine Mall Plaza, Taguig Pateros Hospital and Technological University of the Philippines-Taguig.

“As we continue to build upon the foundations of Arca South, we are ensuring that the energy needs of this community are met with efficiency and resilience. This substation represents more than just a physical structure; it represents our dedication to sustainable urban development. It is a cornerstone of progress, enabling us to power homes, businesses, and innovations that will drive Arca South’s growth and development,” ALI senior vice president and Ayala Land Estates group head Robert Lao said.