Baguio: Benguet Electric Cooperative (Beneco) is set to install at least 4,000 automatic meters this year as part of its modernization efforts to enhance service delivery, an official stated on Thursday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Laarni Ilagan, a community relations associate at Beneco, mentioned in an interview that these 'smart meters' will be deployed in areas near Barangay Pinget, where the automatic metering infrastructure (AMI) was initially tested. She noted that 300 AMIs were installed in Pinget during the pilot testing phase to assess system efficiency.
In 2018, Beneco initiated its first AMI pilot project in collaboration with Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) using a power line carrier system, with 50 units installed in Alapang. However, the project faced setbacks due to technical issues and language barriers. In the subsequent year, Digital Microsystems (DMS) Solutions successfully demonstrated a proof of concept in Barangay Ucab, Itogon, Benguet.
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) approved the kilowatt-hour meters in 2021, leading to the procurement of the initial 300 AMI meters. In 2023, Beneco assessed the AMI meters' durability under more challenging conditions and replaced faulty units with a new model that showed consistent performance.
Ilagan emphasized that with the successful pilot testing, Beneco is advancing with the AMI project. The installation of 4,000 AMIs will involve a cost of PHP20 million. She further explained that the modernization project is a multi-year initiative contingent on the approval of Beneco's Capital Expenditure by the ERC and the cooperative's available funds.
Currently, Baguio and Benguet have 240,000 active electric connections. The AMI will enable Beneco to remotely monitor consumers' power consumption through a sophisticated system. The computerization will eliminate the need for meter readers to visit homes for bill delivery, reducing risks such as dog bites, as bills will be emailed to consumers.
The AMI implementation will cover the entire franchise area in Baguio and Benguet, aligning with Beneco's long-term strategy to meet global standards in the competitive power industry.
