According to a report by BusinessWorld, Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) is exploring a potential partnership with Albay Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Aleco) after local officials sought the company’s assistance in improving electricity distribution services in the province. Arnel P. Casanova, Meralco senior vice-president and head of strategic distribution utility partnerships, told reporters last week that local leaders in Albay had asked the company to help enhance power reliability and service quality in the area.
The move comes after Meralco faced a setback in South Cotabato, where its bid to enter the franchise area faced resistance from the local electric cooperative and political leaders. That experience has led the company to adopt a more collaborative approach with existing cooperatives rather than pursuing direct competition.
If the Albay partnership materializes, Meralco could potentially leverage its technical and operational expertise to improve Aleco's distribution network. The company is currently conducting feasibility studies to determine the scope of any possible collaboration.