Manila Electric Co., the biggest electricity retailer, announced over the weekend it will resume service disconnection activities, but assured customers it will be very considerate and compassionate in treating unpaid overdue bills.
Meralco made the announcement following the government’s decision putting the National Capital Region, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal under the general community quarantine with “heightened restrictions” from May 15 to 31.
“Given the heightened restrictions still being implemented during the GCQ, we continue to take into consideration the challenges our customers are facing amid these difficult times,” Meralco first vice president and chief commercial officer Ferdinand Geluz said in a statement.
“We hope our continued consideration will ease the burden of our customers, providing additional time for them to settle their bills,” Geluz said.
Meralco said customers who were challenged to pay their overdue bills in full may get in touch with the company so that a lighter schedule could be arranged.
Meralco said customers may get in touch safely and easily by sending a private or direct message through Facebook or Twitter, or call its 16211 hotline.
“If they still need to go to the Meralco business centers, they may opt to book an online appointment through the Meralco website for a safe and hassle-free transaction. Meralco BCs are open to accept payments, applications and customer assistance. Business hours are from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Friday and 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays for payment transactions only,” it said.
Meralco said it continues all vital operations such as meter reading, following the order of the Energy Regulatory Commission and will also continue to work round the clock to serve customers.
“Meralco business operations, including meter reading and bill delivery activities, will of course still continue throughout the GCQ. Our continued operations will ensure that actual consumption for the month will be billed accordingly. But rest assured there will be strict implementation of health protocols in order to safeguard the health and safety of both customers and our personnel,” Geluz said.
The Department of Energy and the Regulatory Commission encouraged customers who have the ability to pay to settle their bills within the original due date to manage the cash flow in the energy supply chain and ensure the continuous supply of electricity.
“Meralco crews will also continue to be on standby 24/7 to respond to any emergencies and reports,” Geluz said.