Avoid bill shock, pay bills on time

Meralco also reiterated that ‘bill shock’ is unlikely to happen as meter-reading activities remain uninterrupted despite prolonged virus lockdown

Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) customers with the ability to pay are encouraged to settle their bills on time to help manage the cash flow in the energy supply chain.

Energy chief Alfonso G. Cusi said Sunday that paying power bills on time

minimizes “bill shock,” which previously irked millions of customers.

Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association Inc. President Presley de Jesus previously warned that the prolonged extension of no disconnection policy may disrupt cash flow in the power supply chain.

Meralco has extended the suspension of all disconnection activities in its franchise area until 30 April as the Greater Manila bubble transitioned to modified enhanced community quarantine or MECQ.

“Given the ongoing pandemic situation and the latest quarantine measures, and always conscious of the challenges our customers are facing amid these trying times, we will continue to put on hold all disconnection activities until 30 April,” Ferdinand O. Geluz, Meralco FVP and Chief Commercial Officer, said.

“We hope this extension will help lessen the burden of our customers and provide enough relief and time for them to settle their bills,” he added.

Meralco also reiterated that “bill shock” is unlikely to happen as meter-reading activities remain uninterrupted despite prolonged virus lockdown.

“Rest assured there will be strict implementation of health protocols to safeguard the health and safety of both customers and our personnel,” Geluz said.