MWSS proposes revisions on water service connections, billing guidelines

THE REGULATORY office of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) has proposed several revisions on water service connections and billing scheme guidelines.

Francis Eduardo P. Ayapana, Jr., supervising public utilities regulation officer, said in a virtual briefing on Tuesday that the MWSS seeks to revise provisions in the Customer-Oriented 2013 Implementing Rules and Regulations, which apply to Maynilad Water Services, Inc. and Manila Water Co., Inc.

Mr. Ayapana said the proposed revisions involve the disconnection and reconnection of water service, and the rate classification and billing scheme for small-scale or home-based businesses and high-rise and other multiple dwellings.

One of the proposed changes is to disallow the disconnection of a customer after presenting proof of payment that all delinquent accounts have been settled.

Another proposed revision is to ban disconnection on the days of Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Holy Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday. Also, no disconnection will be conducted after 6 p.m.; and payment and reconnection are allowed even during weekends and holidays. Other proposed revisions of the MWSS include the addition of barbershops, beauty shops, and eateries among customers under the rate classification of small-scale and home-based businesses, and specifying the definition of condominiums under the billing scheme and rate classification for high-rise and other multiple dwellings as provided by Republic Act No. 4726 or The Condominium Act. —