PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Philippines needs to take its grid to the next level with interoperable standards, and greater security. The utilities will be seeking smart grid solutions, and many will be eager to provide them. The Japanese, Koreans, and Chinese are very present in the market, offering free pilots of products and solutions. Their proximity also allows for frequent technical trainings and after sales support. The Philippine utilities have many options to choose from, and have proven to be shrewd negotiators. The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, which is the country’s grid’s system operator, has a joint concession partnership with the State Grid Corporation of China. In fact, the grid is managed from China.
While Asian options will likely be the first choice, it can be expected that U.S. firms will also get a share of the smart grid business as well. To tap into this opportunity, U.S. firms should establish relationships with the major utilities, and register themselves as accredited suppliers. Each utility will have a separate accreditation process that qualifies firms to participate in their RFPs. U.S. firms should seek such accreditation in cooperation with a local partner, a requirement for any business in the energy sector. As the energy sector is considered a public utility, only 40% foreign ownership is allowed.