ERC's Devanadera asks LGUs to allow meter reading in their areas

Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) chairperson Atty. Agnes Devanadera on Sunday urged local government units (LGUs) to allow power distribution utilities to conduct meter reading in their areas so customers would know how much electricity they are actually consuming.

Devanadera made the remark after the ERC instructed distribution utilities to conduct actual meter readings, if possible, and issue not later than June 8 a new billing indicating the actual consumption and the corresponding amount due.

In a Dobol B sa News TV interview, Devanadera said distribution utilities can already conduct actual meter readings after quarantine restrictions have been relaxed in some areas of the country.

However, some LGUs still do not allow such activity in their respective localities, she added.

"Kaya ito, isa ring pakiusap. Kung magbabasa ng metro at 'yun naman ay para sa kabutihan din ng ating kababayan, payagan na ng mga LGUs sana," Devanadera said.

The ERC has issued the directive following the “bill shock” experienced by customers of Manila Electric Company (Meralco) this month.

Meralco has since been asked to explain how it came up with electricity bills during the three billing cycles covering the lockdown.

Meralco spokesperson Joe Zaldarriaga said they will comply with the ERC directive.

Meanwhile, ERC also ordered power distributors to allow their electricity customers with monthly consumption of 200 kWh and below in February 2020 to pay their electric bills due within the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) periods in six equal monthly installments beginning June 15, without penalties, interest and other fees. 

Those with monthly consumption of above 200 kWh in February 2020 may also pay their electric bills due within the ECQ or MECQ periods in four equal monthly installments starting June 15 as well.

ERC ordered that subsequent installments for bills will be due every 15th of the month starting July 2020 until fully settled.

For this purpose, the distribution utilities were directed to notify consumers of the monthly installment falling due, the ERC said.

"Konti na lang 'yung hindi nila nababasa kaya ready na sila na mag-issue ng mga bills on the installments ha. Kasi sabi namin, hiwalayin ninyo para makita ng tao na installments 'yan," Devanadera said. —Erwin Colcol/KG, GMA News