Following Manila Electric Co.’s (Meralco) issuance of disconnection notices to some of its consumers who have not completely settled their bills after having been allowed to defer payment last year at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Senator Christopher Go has urged the utility company to show more compassion to its consumers.
He also asked Meralco to study the possibility of extending their no-disconnection policy for underprivileged consumers.
Given the ongoing public health issue, Go also urged the government to look into the matter and prioritize the welfare of ordinary Filipinos by finding ways to avoid putting any additional burden to those who are already struggling to make ends meet.
Meralco’s no-disconnection policy was supposed to end on December 31 last year, but was further extended until the end of January.
Vice-President and Head of Corporate Communications at Meralco, Joe R. Zaldarriaga, said that households consuming 201 kilowatt-hours (kWh) or more were asked to settle their unpaid bills last month, while those consuming 200 kWh and below were allowed to pay until the end of January.
Meralco also said that only non-lifeliners who have not paid any amount since March last year will be disconnected. The company will also allow payment on installment basis upon request.
Following the Energy Regulatory Commission’s issuances, Meralco said that the refunds for the inadvertent overcharges during the periods of heightened community quarantine measures are already being implemented and deducted in the billings.
