Meralco’s no disconnection policy to continue

MANILA, Philippines — The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco)’s no disconnection policy will continue as the government extended the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) in the National Capital Region as well as in the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal until mid-May.

“Given the current situation and the extended MECQ, we continue to take into consideration the challenges our customers are facing amid these difficult times. We will continue to put on hold all disconnection activities until May 14,” Meralco FVP and chief commercial officer Ferdinand Geluz said.

“We hope this additional extension will help ease the burden of our customers, while providing the necessary relief and additional time for them to settle their bills,” Geluz said.

He said Meralco would continue to be considerate during this period and vowed to assist its customers in need of help with their concerns.

Meralco reiterated it would continue vital operations such as meter reading and bill delivery activities as well work round the clock to serve its customers.

The Energy Regulatory Board (ERB), in an advisory issued last year, encouraged customers who are financially capable to settle their bills within the original due date to help manage the cash flow in the energy supply chain and ensure continuous power supply.

Meralco urged customers to contact the power utility through Facebook Messenger and Twitter or call hotline 16211 before going to its business centers which operate with a skeleton force, for any inquiries and concerns on billing and payments as a precaution to the rising number of COVID-19 cases.

The measure ensures that customers can save time and effort, and minimizes any potential and unnecessary exposure to the virus.

Meralco’s business center will remain open to accept payments, applications and customer assistance.

Business hours will be from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Monday to Friday and 7 a.m. to noon every Saturday.

“Meralco crews will also continue to be on standby 24/7 to respond to any emergencies and reports,” Geluz said.