Meralco to halt disconnection in areas under ECQ, MECQ

THE Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) is putting on hold disconnection activities in the National Capital Region (NCR) from August 6 to 20 and the Province of Laguna beginning August 1 to 15, as government imposes stricter quarantine measures.

The government placed the NCR under Enhanced Quarantine Community (ECQ) and the Province of Laguna on Modified ECQ.

The rest of Meralco’s franchise area remains under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) with Heightened Restrictions particularly Bulacan, Cavite, the Province of Rizal and Lucena City from August 1 to 15, while Batangas and Quezon Province remain to be under GCQ for the month of August.

“Given the current situation, we continue to take into consideration the challenges our customers are facing amid these difficult times. Thus, we will again suspend all disconnection activities in NCR and Laguna to help ease the burden of our customers with the needed relief and additional time to settle their bills,” said Ferdinand O. Geluz, Meralco FVP and chief commercial officer.

For customers in areas under GCQ, Geluz assured that Meralco will continue to be very considerate during this period and vowed to assist customers with their concerns.

Meralco reiterated that it would continue vital operations such as meter reading following the order of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), and will also continue to work round the clock to serve its customers.

“Meralco business operations, including meter reading and bill delivery activities, will continue throughout the ECQ. 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 ERC, in an advisory last year, encouraged customers who can pay to settle their bills within the original due date “to help manage the cash flow in the energy supply chain and ensure the continuous supply of electricity.”

In minimizing the risk of exposure to Covid-19 and ensuring everyone’s safety, Geluz reminded customers to always keep safe and encouraged customers to use Meralco’s various digital platforms such as Meralco Online and Meralco App, Facebook Messenger, Twitter, call its 16211 hot line and book an appointment through the Online Customer Appointment (OCA) system before going to Meralco Business Centers (BCS). Meralco BCS will be on skeletal work force for any inquiries and concerns on billing and payments as a precaution to the rising number of Covid-19 cases.

Meralco BCS will remain open to accept payments, applications and customer assistance. Business hours will be from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., in compliance to IATF guidelines, from Monday to Friday and 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays.