The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) said it is prepared to take part in discussions on proposed amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call to review system loss charges during his State of the Nation Address.

In a statement, Meralco said it respects the administration’s policy direction and will actively engage in deliberations on the proposed reforms, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that considers both consumer protection and the sustainability of power utilities.

The company noted that system loss — or electricity lost in transmission and distribution — is not unique to any single distribution utility but is a common operational aspect across the entire power industry.

“While distribution utilities like Meralco continue to invest in modernizing and upgrading facilities and deploying technologies that reduce system losses, a certain level of technical losses remains inherent in operating an electric distribution system,” Meralco Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Ronnie L. Aperocho said.

Meralco added that it has consistently invested in system loss management initiatives, network modernization and operational efficiencies, allowing it to keep system loss levels below the 6.5% cap set by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

The utility said it supports reforms that would deliver tangible benefits to consumers but stressed that such measures should also enable distribution utilities and electric cooperatives to maintain efficient operations, invest in infrastructure and strengthen system resilience.

“We look forward to productive discussions which we hope will carefully consider the impact of reforms on the operations and sustainability of distribution utilities,” Aperocho said.

Meralco said it will continue to work with government agencies, regulators, lawmakers and industry stakeholders in pursuing reforms aimed at enhancing consumer protection and strengthening the country’s power sector.