An independent survey by Capstone-Intel Corp. shows Manila Electric Company (Meralco) is becoming the preferred electricity provider among residents in Batangas province.
The survey highlights disparities in service reliability and customer satisfaction, particularly concerning frequent power outages experienced by customers of local cooperatives.
The study, conducted in April 2025, surveyed 1,200 respondents across 34 cities and municipalities in Batangas. It used probability proportional to size sampling to ensure accuracy and equal representation of male and female respondents.
A majority of households in areas served by Batangas Electric Cooperative I (BATELEC 1) and Batangas Electric Cooperative II (BATELEC 2) reported frequent power disruptions. Sixty-two percent of these customers experienced one to two outages per month, with some reporting up to ten.
About 93 percent of BATELEC 2 customers and 81 percent of BATELEC 1 customers reported repeated interruptions. In contrast, 54 percent of Meralco customers said they experienced no outages at all, underscoring Meralco’s more reliable service in the province.
“These findings underscore a widening gap in electricity service across Batangas. Reliable electricity is not just a convenience—it’s a prerequisite for economic growth and quality of life,” said Dr. Guido David, chief data scientist of Capstone-Intel.
Service satisfaction scores mirrored the reliability gap. BATELEC 1 and BATELEC 2 scored below the provincial average of 4.09, with ratings of 3.96 and 3.90, respectively. For customer service, they also lagged behind the average of 4.04, earning scores of 3.80 and 3.90.
When asked which provider they would choose if given the option, 61 percent of BATELEC 2 respondents expressed a preference for Meralco. This indicates a clear demand for better-performing utilities, especially in areas most affected by recurring outages.
Capstone-Intel said consistent and reliable power is essential for sustaining Batangas’ rapid growth as a hub for industry, trade, and infrastructure.
“This survey is a wake-up call—not just for utilities, but for government leaders as well. The people of Batangas are demanding dependable power, and they’re paying attention to who delivers it,” David said.