Meralco kicks off 660-MW supply bidding for summer

Power distribution giant Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) has started a competitive bidding process to secure additional supply ahead of the expected surge in demand during the upcoming dry months.

In a statement, Meralco said the competitive selection process (CSP), a type of competitive public bidding for the purchase of electricity by distribution firms, is now open for a supply contract of 660 megawatts (MW).

Meralco’s announcement came after the Department of Energy (DOE) issued a Certificate of Conformity on the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Interim Power Supply Agreements (IPSAs).

The DOE certification will cater to Meralco’s needs for 260 megawatts (MW) during peak demand and 400 MW for baseload requirement this year.

The conduct of these CSPs aligns with Meralco’s DOE-approved Power Supply Procurement Plan, which aims to address the need for additional power capacities to enhance supply to customers.

These IPSAs will be executed upon approval by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

The 260-MW and 400-MW IPSAs will remain in effect until July 2024 and February 2025, respectively. 

According to Meralco, power generation companies interested in participating are required to submit Expressions of Interest for both IPSAs by Jan. 15.

The pre-bid conferences for the 260 MW peaking requirement and 400 MW baseload requirement are scheduled for Jan. 22, while the bid submission deadlines are set for Feb. 26 and 27, respectively.