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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Trade & Industry devider Philippine energy leaders head to US in February for smart grid push

Philippine energy leaders head to US in February for smart grid push

Published Jan 22, 2026 09:05 am

Government agencies and some of the most influential companies in the domestic energy sector will visit the United States (US) next month as the Philippines seeks to attract partners and investors to advance its smart grid modernization plan.

In an advisory seen by Manila Bulletin, the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) said it is now accepting registrations from interested public- and private-sector entities for the opportunity to meet the Philippine delegation.

The reverse trade mission (RTM) is scheduled for Feb. 1 to 11, with stops in San Diego and Silicon Valley in California, as well as Washington, DC.

Philippine agencies invited to be part of the delegation include the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

USTDA has also invited multiple companies to participate, including Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) and Enrique K. Razon-led More Electric and Power Corp. (MORE Power).

The RTM to the US will help companies and agencies identify partners and solutions that can accelerate the country’s push to modernize grid infrastructure.

It will open opportunities for high-level engagement with American counterparts involved in developing and deploying smart grid technology solutions and services.

In addition, the visit will serve as a platform to share policies and best practices, including alternative financing mechanisms.

American companies are well-positioned to become long-term commercial partners for Philippine companies and agencies, given their expertise in smart grid technologies and services, according to USTDA.

“Electricity demand in the Philippines is expected to double by 2040, necessitating strong investment in the country's smart grid infrastructure,” USTDA said.

The mission offers US firms deep insight into the Philippines’ energy landscape, including opportunities for near- and mid-term grid investments.

Through these engagements, USTDA said participants will gain early visibility into upcoming projects, procurement pipelines, and partnership opportunities.

These will help companies position themselves with competitive proposals and potential partnerships ahead of future tenders and USTDA-supported engagements.

During the RTM, there are potential sales opportunities for the procurement of products and services in data centers, distribution automation, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, liquid natural gas, hyperscaler energy corridors, and transmission system transformation, among others.

US public- and private-sector entities can meet the Philippine delegation at the DISTRIBUTECH conference in San Diego and through site visits, technology demonstrations, and one-on-one meetings in Silicon Valley and Washington, DC.

“These engagements are structured to foster substantive technical discussions, commercial alignment, and follow-on opportunities beyond the RTM,” USTDA said.

USTDA conducts RTMs to bring decision-makers to the US to “observe the best” of American infrastructure design, manufacturing, and operations.

These visits provide US firms export opportunities aligned with the strategic infrastructure priorities of the partner delegation.

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