Power distributors urged to adopt new technologies

Local power distributors must adopt new technologies to uphold consumer welfare, according to ABB senior group vice president for power grids division for South Asia, Middle East and Africa Venu Nuguri.

“In the Philippines, the grid is getting smarter, as in many other parts of the world. The government has actively encouraged local power utilities to adopt the use of smart technologies, and give energy users more control,” he said.

Under the Philippines Power Development Plan 2016 to 2040, distribution utilities (DUs) must upgrade and expand their infrastructure in respective franchise areas, which includes the utilization of and investment in technologies such as the smart grid.

While government has encouraged local power utilities to adopt the use of smart technologies, more policies are needed to spur the adoption or deployment of new technology as more renewable energy injects power into the Philippine power grid.

“In the Philippines, the grid is getting smarter, as in many other parts of the world. The government has actively encouraged local power utilities to adopt the use of smart technologies, and give energy users more control,” Nuguri said.

“Putting together the right policy and regulatory framework and a definitive incentive scheme for utilities to digitalize their networks and provide efficient service may help in encouraging DUs take additional pro-active steps towards adopting smart grid technologies,” he said.

The company official said ABB sees the digital evolution of the Philippines’ power systems as an exciting area of development.

“We are seeing the integration of old and new technologies in the creation of a stronger, more efficient network,” Nuguri said.

As an example, Manila Electric Co. (Meralco)—the country’s largest power distributor—has embarked on a digital transformation by leveraging new technologies such as smart sensors and distribution management systems.

The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP), the concessionaire responsible for managing, developing and operating in the country’s state-owned power grid, has also started investing in collaborative systems and solutions that possess data-gathering elements to closely monitor grid operations in real time and achieve operational efficiency.

But in order to have a widespread adoption of smart grid technology, local utilities and companies need to appreciate the benefits that they can get from having digital devices and systems in their facilities.