9 firms vie for microgrid system

MANILA, Philippines — A total of nine companies, including Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) and DMCI of the Consunji Group, are eyeing to participate in the first-ever bidding for the development of microgrid systems in the country.

The nine firms that intend to join the competitive selection process (CSP) for the microgrid systems provider (MGSP) are  DMCI Power Corp., Smart Power Solutions Corp., Alternative Power Resource Holdings Inc., MSpectrum Inc., Maharlika Consortium, Powersource OEG Services Inc., One Renewable Energy Enterprise Inc., FP Island Energy Corp. and Vivant Energy Corp.

The Department of Energy (DOE) said these companies have pre-qualified to bid for the MGSP CSP for being able to submit complete eligibility requirements.

The companies earlier submitted their expression of interests to participate in the CSP for the electrification of 98 declared unserved and underserved areas of the country, which was clustered into 49 lots.

A pre-bid conference for the pre-qualified bidders is set on Nov. 29, with deadline of submission of complete proposal and opening of bids slated on Dec. 27, 2023.

Issuance of notice of award is eyed by March 12 next year.

The winning MGSPs will be in charge of the construction, installation, maintenance, and operations of microgrid systems to provide round the clock electricity services for all existing and projected households in the selected remote areas in the country.

Their services will also include associated services, such as customer billing and collections.

The DOE said the initial auction is expected to benefit a total of 15,645 households.