DOE Approves Meralco’s 2025 Plan to Procure 3,000 MW via Competitive Bidding, Boosting Renewables and Grid Stability

The Department of Energy (DOE) has officially approved Manila Electric Company’s (Meralco) updated 2025 Power Supply Procurement Plan (PSPP), granting the utility firm the authority to secure nearly 3,000 megawatts (MW) of power supply through Competitive Selection Processes (CSPs) from 2026 to 2032.

In a letter dated April 11, the DOE confirmed the go-ahead for Meralco to launch five CSPs within this year, aimed at ensuring stable, cost-efficient, and renewable-driven power procurement for the country’s largest distribution utility.

Breakdown of the Procurement Plan:

• Renewable Baseload Supply:
  Meralco will source 200 MW for delivery from January 26, 2026, to January 25, 2030, and an additional 1,426 MW from February 26, 2026, to February 25, 2046. These CSPs are scheduled for publication within April 2025.
• Conventional Baseload Supply:
  Two procurement processes will cover 600 MW (2028–2043), with publication in May 2025, and 900 MW (2030–2045), set for publication in September 2025.
• Mid-Merit Supply:
  The utility plans to procure 300 MW (2028–2043) and 150 MW (2029–2044), with both solicitations slated for May 2025 publication.
• Future Procurements:
  Looking ahead, Meralco will also secure 300 MW of baseload power from 2033 to 2048 (publication in Q2 2031) and 500 MW of renewable mid-merit supply from 2032 to 2052 (publication in Q2 2030).

The comprehensive PSPP outlines a total procurement volume of 2,976 MW, of which 2,126 MW will be sourced from renewable energy—demonstrating Meralco’s strong alignment with the national target of achieving a 35% renewable energy share by 2030.

Meralco said the staggered CSP rollout ensures long-term supply reliability, rate stability, and price predictability for over 8 million customers across its franchise area. The plan also complies with the DOE and Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) framework for transparent and competitive power contracting.

Industry stakeholders are expected to closely monitor how Meralco’s procurement strategy influences retail electricity prices and accelerates renewable energy adoption in the Philippines.