MANILA – Manila Electric Company (Meralco), the country’s largest power distributor, is set to launch a competitive bidding process for 200 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy (RE) supply, targeting mid-merit and baseload requirements to diversify its portfolio and offer more sustainable options to customers. The announcement, made on December 15, 2025, aligns with Meralco’s long-term strategy to increase RE share amid the Philippines’ push for 35% renewables by 2030 and growing consumer demand for green power.
Meralco Vice President and Head of Utility Economics Lawrence Fernandez detailed the procurement: “This 200 MW will come from eligible RE sources like solar, wind, biomass, or hydro, delivering firm capacity for stable supply.” The bid, open to developers with commercial operations by 2028-2030, will follow the Competitive Selection Process (CSP) guidelines, ensuring transparency and competitive pricing.
Key Details of the Procurement
- Capacity: 200 MW (mid-merit/baseload; dispatchable RE preferred).
- Supply Period: 15-20 years, starting late 2020s.
- Eligibility: Accredited RE developers; projects must comply with DOE’s Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP) or similar frameworks.
- Timeline: Pre-bid conference in Q1 2026; bids due mid-year.
- Customer Impact: Blended into Meralco’s supply mix, potentially lowering rates long-term via RE’s falling costs and offering “green tariff” options for eco-conscious users.
The move builds on Meralco’s existing RE contracts (over 1,000 MW secured via past CSPs) and supports the Department of Energy’s targets. Fernandez noted rising interest from commercial/industrial clients for dedicated green supply, with this auction enabling scalable solutions.
In a power market still coal-heavy (50%+), Meralco’s RE push isn’t just compliance—it’s competitive edge, turning sustainability into stable, customer-centric supply for a greener grid.
Procurement Snapshot:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 200 MW (mid-merit/baseload RE) |
| Sources | Solar, wind, biomass, hydro |
| Timeline | Commercial ops 2028-2030 |
| Process | Competitive Selection Process (CSP) |
| Goal | Diversify supply; support 35% RE by 2030 |