Meralco

The Manila Electric Company (PSE: MER and MERB), also known as Meralco (stylized in its logo as MERALCO), is the Philippines' largest distributor of electrical power. It is Metro Manila's only electric power distributor and holds the power distribution franchise for 22 cities and 89 municipalities, including the whole of the National Capital Region and the exurbs that form Mega Manila.

The name "Meralco" is an acronym for Manila Electric Railroad And Light COmpany, which was the company's original name until 1919.

History

Organized in 1891 and beginning operations in late 1894, La Electricista was the first electric company to provide electricity to Manila towards the close of the Spanish Era. La Electricista had built a central power plant on Calle San Sebastian (now Hidalgo Street ) in Quiapo, Manila. On January 17, 1895, its streetlights were turned on for the first time and by 1903, it had about 3,000 electric light customers.

Founding of the Manila Electric Railroad and Light Company