Iloilo city: A pilot project on the advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) system is set to take off in this city in a landmark move towards digital transformation. More Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power) inked a memorandum of agreement with Electro Premier Venture International Inc. for the pilot implementation of the AMI system on July 10.
According to Philippines News Agency, the agreement was signed by MORE Power president Roel Castro and Electro Premier Venture International Inc. president lawyer Rica Gatchalian. The AMI system will utilize cutting-edge smart grid technology to modernize energy management and consumption. Under the system, existing electric meters will be replaced with smart meters equipped with a subscriber identity module (SIM) to communicate with the centralized data collector of MORE Power for analysis, monitoring, and control.
Unlike conventional meters, smart meters offer several advantages, including theft detection, remote reconnection and disconnection, and data analytics. The system also features outage detection, enabling the MORE Power technical team to easily identify and respond to customers or areas experiencing interruptions. 'Features such as outage detection, meter irregularity alerts, and remote connection, disconnection, and reconnection capabilities will significantly improve service reliability and operational efficiency,' MORE Power stated in a press release.
The initiative adheres to the Energy Regulatory Commission's rules, as outlined in its decision dated April 12, 2025, governing the implementation of the AMI system by distribution utilities and authorized entities. The AMI Rules mandate the installation of advanced metering infrastructure within the company's franchise region.
During the pilot phase, Electro Premier will be responsible for providing, installing, and commissioning a comprehensive AMI system, including the Head End System (HES) and communication infrastructure. The deployment will involve 90 units of Single-Phase Smart Meters for residential customers and 10 units of Three-Phase Smart Meters for commercial clients, along with all necessary hardware, software, and services to ensure the project's success. 'The pilot will serve as a testing ground to evaluate key assumptions related to cost, technology, and implementation strategies before the full program delivery plan is rolled out,' MORE Power added.
The costs associated with the pilot implementation will be covered by Electro Premier, ensuring no financial burden on MORE Power during this crucial phase.
