Meralco halts disconnection activities in areas under ECQ

By LENIE LECTURA – MARCH 29, 2021
from Business Mirror

The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) has suspended all disconnection activities in its franchise area until April 15, following the government’s decision to place the National Capital Region, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal under a one-week enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) until April 4.

“Cognizant of the plight of our customers amid these challenging times brought about by the pandemic and in support of the government’s effort to manage the transmission of Covid-19, we commit to put on hold all disconnection activities until April 15, 2021,” Ferdinand O. Geluz, Meralco FVP and Chief Commercial Officer, said.

He added, “We hope this measure will contribute to easing the burden of our customers and provide enough relief and time for them to settle their bills.”

Geluz said Meralco will continue to be considerate during these trying times and vowed to assist its customers in need of help in their electricity concerns.

The utility firm also said it would continue vital operations such as meter reading following the order of the Energy Regulatory Commission. It vowed to also continue to work round the clock to serve its customers.

Meralco encouraged customers to send a personal message (PM) via Facebook Messenger, Twitter or call its 16211 hotline before going to Meralco Business Centers (BCs), which will be on skeleton force, for any inquiries and concerns on billing and payments as a precaution to the rising number of Covid-19 cases. This measure ensures that customers can save time and effort, but more importantly, minimizes any potential and unnecessary exposure to the virus.

The distribution utility has announced that its BCs will remain open to accept payments, applications and customer assistance. Business hours will be from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on skeleton workforce in compliance with IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force) guidelines from Monday to Friday and 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays. BCs will be closed from April 1 to 3 in observance of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Black Saturday.

Electric meter reading and delivery of bills will still continue during this time, with Meralco personnel working under the strict health guidelines of the IATF.