Philippine energy officials explore AI for power services at New Zealand ambassador's Manila reception

Philippine energy officials and technology firm Gentrack, working with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, discussed how artificial intelligence could support electricity regulation, outage monitoring and customer service at a reception hosted by New Zealand Ambassador Catherine McIntosh in Manila.

The Philippines and New Zealand are exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) can improve electricity regulation, monitor power outages, and simplify customer services, the Daily Guardian reported on 30 October 2026.

Energy officials, regulators, and technology executives from both countries discussed potential AI applications during the AI & Innovation: Executive Energy Networking Reception held on 8 October at the residence of New Zealand Ambassador Catherine McIntosh in Manila. It was organised in collaboration with technology firm Gentrack and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE).

Gentrack said it brought together more than 70 executives representing 22 organisations, with perspectives from Department of Energy Undersecretary Maria Francesca Montes-Del Rosario and Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Director III Heiddi Venecia Barrozo.

What the regulator is building

According to the Daily Guardian, the ERC initiatives discussed include:

• ASK ERiC, an AI-enabled chatbot designed to help consumers and other stakeholders navigate ERC information, regulatory procedures, and public services
• AI-assisted compliance monitoring to determine whether regulated electricity providers are meeting applicable requirements
• Regulatory analytics capable of identifying patterns in electricity outages, including their frequency, duration and geographic distribution

The ERC emphasised that adopting AI must not compromise accountability, accuracy, explainability, or information security, and AI-generated findings would still require verification and appropriate human oversight.

The technology pitch

Gentrack solution architect Hyun Woo Kim said successful AI implementation requires capabilities designed for the energy sector rather than generic solutions. "Every country's got its unique problem and unique way to solve that problem," Kim said.

Gentrack demonstrated potential applications involving electricity bill explanations, customer account inquiries, workflow automation, and regulatory compliance support. NZTE representatives reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation with the Philippines through partnerships in innovation, sustainability, and economic growth.

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