Meralco eases bills deadline

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

Manila Electric Company’s (Meralco) customers get an extended leeway to settle their power bills amid the prolonged virus lockdown in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

Meralco announced on Monday that it is extending the suspension of all disconnection activities in its franchise area until 30 April as the Greater Manila bubble transitioned to modified enhanced community quarantine (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.

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.

Thus, 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 and ensure the continuous supply of electricity.”

Meralco also reiterated that “bill shock,” which previously irked millions of customers, is unlikely to happen as meter-reading activities remain uninterrupted despite the 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.