The National Electrification Administration (NEA) announced Wednesday that the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) of the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (INEC) will soon be integrated with the NEA Digital Dashboard Command Center (DDCC).

NEA Administrator Antonio Almeda celebrated this milestone, saying this “represents a technological shift” to how the state-owned corporation and its partner electric cooperatives (ECs) will be collaborating moving forward in terms of managing electricity services for energy consumers.

“INEC is setting a benchmark for innovation and operational excellence, ensuring real-time data collection, efficient energy management, and enhanced consumer services,” Administrator Almeda said in a speech during a ceremony held at the co-op’s headquarters in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.

The NEA launched its DDCC in July 2024 to establish a digital communications technology framework that would enable real-time monitoring and data-driven solutions to major electricity distribution issues on the ground. With the AMI technology, the state-owned agency can further monitor activities of the ECs.

"By integrating AMI, our ECs will gain from improved data collection capabilities and more effective metering systems management—both of which are vital components in ensuring reliable electricity service for our member-consumer-owners (MCOs),” according to the NEA chief.

Administrator Almeda lauded the INEC leadership and its MCOs for adopting a “forward-thinking mindset” and aligning its operations with the NEA’s strategic goals in fostering a “digital transformation” across EC networks nationwide.

“As we move forward, let us remain committed to innovation, collaboration, and excellence. Keep in mind that the adoption of advanced technologies is not an end in itself, but a means to better serve our MCOs,” he said.

INEC is currently led by its acting General Manager Cipriano Martinez III with Board President Atty. Nick Malasig, who welcomed Administrator Almeda at the event as well as Energy Assistant Secretary and NEA alternate chairperson Mario Marasigan.

Also present at the ceremony were NEA Deputy Administrators Atty. Rossan Rosero-Lee (Legal Services), Atty. Omar Mayo (EC Management Services), Atty. Vic Alvaro (Corporate Resources and Financial Services), and Engr. Ernesto Silvano, Jr. (Technical Services) as well as Board Members Alipio Cirilo Badelles and Agustin Maddatu.

NEA Department Managers Roderick Padua, Alexander Paul Rivera, Eric Villar, and consultant Prof. Rowaldo del Mundo likewise attended the activity with other general managers from various EC allied organizations. ###