Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Company (Meralco) was named as ASEAN’s Best Power Utility of the Year in recognition of the power distributor’s customer-centric digital innovation that exemplifies operational and service excellence.
The Philippine utility bested fellow nominee Malaysian multinational electricity company Tenaga Nasional Berhad during the Power & Energy Awards 2024 of Enlit Asia held on October 8 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The award is anchored on the distribution utility’s Certified by Meralco (CBM) platform, which has enabled fast, simple, and convenient service application and has had about 120,000 energized customers since its launch in 2022.
“Through ‘Certified by Meralco’, we’ve demonstrated how technology can transform utility services for the better and this recognition highlights the impact of our tech-driven initiatives in setting new standards for the Philippine power industry,” Meralco’s First Vice President and Head of Information, Communication, Technology and Transformation Rocky D. Bacani said.
The CBM platform is a centralized digital hub which streamlines the electricity service application process—from submission of requirements to construction and permit acquisition. The platform also provides customers the ratings of certified contractors, assuring them of high-quality service.
Among the key benefits of the innovative solution is faster service application transactions as Meralco contractors realized improved efficiency, gained access to capability-building opportunities, and optimized their operations.
“Meralco remains committed to customer focus and digital innovation, as exemplified by solutions such as the CBM platform. We’ve seen remarkable outcomes for our customers, frontliners, and certified contractors,” stated Ferdinand O. Geluz, Meralco’s Chief Revenue Officer. “Customers appreciate the value of a faster, more efficient, digital application process, cost transparency, and the confidence of receiving dependable, high-quality service from certified providers,” he continued.
Meralco was also recently recognized for its CBM Platform after it took home the Philippine award under the open category at the Asia IoT Business Platform (AIBP) ASEAN Enterprise Innovation Awards.
The Power & Energy Awards represent the regional benchmark for excellence, celebrating success and recognizing the people and businesses pushing boundaries and driving the Southeast Asian power and electricity sector forward.
It distinguishes companies and projects in 11 categories that span power generation, transmission and distribution, the smart grid, renewable energy and the energy revolution, innovation, and individual contribution.
The awards program is part of Enlit Asia’s annual conference and exhibition for the power and energy sector, showcasing expert knowledge, innovative solutions, and foresight from industry leaders, coherent with ASEAN’s strategy to achieve a smooth transition towards a low-carbon energy future.
