Meralco to resume disconnections
THE Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) announced that it will resume its disconnection activities as the Greater Manila Area, also known as NCR Plus, shifted to a more relaxed quarantine status beginning May 15.
Metro Manila and nearby provinces will be under general community quarantine (GCQ) “with heightened restrictions” until May 31, Palace Harry Roque Jr. announced on Thursday night.
In a statement, Meralco assured customers that it will be “very considerate” and “compassionate” in the conduct of activities related to the management of the unpaid overdue bills.
“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,” said Ferdinand Geluz, Meralco first vice president and chief commercial officer.
“We hope our continued consideration will ease the burden of our customers, providing additional time for them to settle their bills,” he added.
The company advised its customers who are challenged to pay their overdue bills in full to get in touch with the Meralco “so that a lighter schedule may be arranged, or else standard disconnection procedures will apply.”
Meralco business centers are open to accept payments, applications and customer assistance from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, and 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays, but for payment transactions only, the company noted.
“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.
Meralco earlier suspended its disconnection operations after NCR Plus went on lockdown due to the spike in Covid-19 cases. It extended the suspension until May 14.
The NCR Plus, consisting of Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal, will remain under GCQ with “heightened restrictions” until May 31, Roque announced on Thursday.