Utilities risk falling behind without digital modernisation

Published: Power Philippines

As the Philippines accelerates its energy transition, a less visible challenge is beginning to surface, not in power plants or transmission lines, but in the digital systems that underpin the industry.

Speaking to Power Philippines, Jason Ong, General Manager, Asia at Gentrack, said the next phase of the energy transition will depend not just on physical infrastructure, but on how well companies can modernise their digital backbone.

Many utilities in the Philippines continue to rely on legacy billing and customer management systems, which are increasingly ill-suited for a fast-moving energy market.

“The problem that we have seen, especially in the Philippines, is because they are still using older legacy… billing and product systems,” Ong said.

These systems limit how quickly companies can respond to market changes.

“For them to go to market, it takes… weeks and months. And by then they lose that edge.”

At the same time, the energy system is becoming more complex, with the rise of renewable energy, distributed generation, and new demand sources reshaping how electricity is produced and consumed.

For Ong, the answer lies in data.

“It goes back to data… and using AI leveraging on the data.”

Read the full interview via Power Philippines >>

If you are exploring digital modernisation or how to respond to these challenges, talk to us.