Clean energy and consumer rights group Power for People Coalition on Monday asked the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) to explain the sudden jump in consumption reported by some consumers in their bills even as they suffering frompower interruptions during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) period.
Meralco has recorded 52 tripping events since May 6, even as some consumers discovered increases in recorded consumption by as much as three times during the ECQ as tabulated in their bills.
“We cannot help but feel that Meralco is using the ECQ as a convenient scapegoat to cover up their shortcomings. While it is understandable that people at home will consume more electricity, it is incredible that consumption would increase three or four more times in just a month. And it is unbelievable that when malls, factories, offices, and other large electrical consumers are closed, Meralco’s grid is suddenly incapable of coping with the demand,” said P4P Convenor Gerry Arances.
