Meralco pursues prepaid electricity, e-vehicle projs

MANILA, Philippines - Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) is pursuing late this year its two new consumer-related offerings that intend to expand the use of electricity.

Specifically, the power distribution giant will pilot test its electric vehicles (e-vehicles) charging station and prepaid electricity scheme.

“We are looking at hopefully by the latter part of this year, a technical pilot and by February or March next year, a commercial pilot,” said Alfredo Panlilio, senior vice-president and head of customer retail services of Meralco.

Panlilio said Meralco wants to learn from the customer engagement in the pilot tests, to be held in Angono, Rizal.

In October, Meralco signed a prepaid electricity system deal with GE to facilitate the program.

The purchase of Meralco prepaid electricity will be the same experience as loading cellphone credits.

If the pilot tests are successful, Panlilio said the formal launch of the prepaid system would be in May or June next year.

Prepaid electricity has been in operation in countries like South Africa and Indonesia, and more recently in India, Australia and New Zealand.

In South Africa and Indonesia, prepaid electricity is availed of by consumers using tokens and a meter with numbered keys where a code is punched in.

Meanwhile, Meralco wants to expand the use of electricity to the transport sector.

“We continue to push for e-vehicles,” Panlilio said.