PEPOA wants Meralco franchise renewed

MANILA, Philippines — A coalition of distribution utilities has expressed its support for the franchise renewal of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), citing the power firm’s good track record in providing reliable electricity.

The Private Electric Power Operators Association (PEPOA) manifested its support to Meralco through a letter addressed to Rep. Gus Tambunting, chairperson of the house committee on legislative franchises.

Meralco’s franchise will expire in 2028.

PEPOA president Ranulfo Ocampo said Meralco’s “dedication to operational excellence and resilience demonstrates its firm resolve to reduce system losses and the duration and frequency of power interruption that greatly benefited electricity consumers.”

Ocampo said the firm has been at the forefront in adopting innovative programs, including the interruptible load program, prepaid electricity service, net metering program and the green energy option program.

“Meralco has shown a strong dedication to social responsibility and universal service by making substantial progress toward the goal of 100 percent household electrification,” he said.

According to Ocampo, Meralco’s services were also crucial in times of natural disasters, citing its swift actions in restoring power and maintaining stability in typhoon-ravaged regions.

The franchise renewal would enable the power firm to continue enhancing its services to its customers and the timely completion of its capital-intensive projects, he said.

“This will secure the stability of the power sector and serve the best interests of the Filipino people and the Philippine economy,” the PEPOA president added.

“In view of the foregoing, PEPOA respectfully endorses the renewal of Meralco’s legislative franchise proposed under House Bills 9793, 9813 and 10317,” the group said.