Energy firm introduces P100 electricity 'load'

MANILA, Philippines - An energy firm has introduced pre-paid electricity where consumers can limit their power consumption to as low as P100 for three days.

“Pre-paid electricity is just like loading your pre-paid cell phone, you can reload in a matter of minutes,” said Roland Arogante, director for sales of Xen Energy System which developed the system.

Arogante said they have submitted a proposal to the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) and electric cooperatives nationwide regarding the pre-paid power consumption scheme.

“Meralco is now studying our proposal,” he said.

The Batangas Electric Cooperative Inc., which pilot-tested the electric load, found the system efficient, benefiting both the consumers and the electric cooperative since it would lessen erroneous meter reading.

Arogante said in compliance with the requirement of the Energy Regulatory Commission, pre-paid “kuryentext” would show load balance in 30-minute intervals and a 30-day consumption record as well as low load warning system.

He said residential power consumers using pre-paid electric load will be registered and assigned a user name and password.

“Through a pre-registered mobile phone or online and with the password, the customer can check his/her account, load credits and even disconnect his/her meter,” Arogante said.

A new meter for the pre-paid electricity will cost P5,000.

Arogante said a consumer can load as low as P100 for electricity that will last up to three days.