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Brix Lelis - The Philippine Star
March 5, 2025 | 12:00am
Meralco has inked a memorandum of understanding with KEPCO for capability building, knowledge exchange, and research and development in the energy sector. In photo are (from left) Meralco executive vice president and chief operating officer Ronnie Aperocho, Meralco chairman and chief executive officer Manuel V. Pangilinan, KEPCO chief executive officer and group head Kim Dong Cheol and KEPCO vice president and head of Global Business Department Chan Hyuk Chun.
STAR / File
MANILA, Philippines — Power giant Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) has further strengthened its partnership with Korea Electric Power Corp. (KEPCO) in a bid to drive the adoption of innovative energy technologies.
The parties recently signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at promoting technical cooperation in key areas, including nuclear energy, renewables, smart grids, electric vehicles and distribution automation.
Meralco is the largest private distribution company in the Philippines, while KEPCO is the largest electric utility in South Korea.
Meralco chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan said the partnership marks a crucial step forward for both companies.
“Enshrined here is a commitment to exchange knowledge, strengthen capabilities and work together toward a smarter, more resilient energy future,” Pangilinan said.
Under the deal, Meralco and KEPCO will engage in technical competency development through information and employee exchange programs for specific training courses.
Both companies also agreed to explore potential collaborations in advisory and consulting services as well as other power initiatives.
“This collaboration allows us to refine our strategies, integrate new technologies, and find better ways to power the future. Beyond the business objectives, we want to forge and strengthen relationships that will drive meaningful progress,” Pangilinan said.
Last November, Meralco teamed up with KEPCO to foster wider adoption of smart metering technologies, which enable two-way communication between consumers and energy utility providers.
To further advance the use of smart meters, the deal was said to have opened opportunities for collaboration in securing local partners and networks for both the Philippines and South Korea.
