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No to bill shock again under MECQ, Gatchalian warns power distributors


Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Wednesday warned the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) and other distribution utilities against possible "bill shocks" again after Metro Manila and other nearby provinces reverted to the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).

Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Committee on Energy, said meter readings may be hampered again during the lockdown period which is until August 18.

"The consumers cannot afford another round of bill shock in their electricity bills. Nabulagta na nga ang mga tao sa overestimation at underestimation ng Meralco sa nagdaang monthly bills, baka magkaproblema na naman sa computation ng darating nilang billing statement ngayong MECQ. 'Yung iba, dapat may refund pa," he said in a statement.

Metro Manila,  Bulacan, Laguna, Cavite, and Rizal were placed under the stricter MECQ from August 4 to 18 after medical front liners called for a time out as eased restrictions caused a spike in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases.  

The senator stressed that some customers would likely appeal for another deferment or extension of payment of their monthly bills due to disrupted livelihood.

He urged the Energy Regulatory Commission to issue directives that would ensure the welfare of power consumers.

"Just like the time when the Luzon-wide ECQ was extended, the ERC undertook measures that somehow eased the burden of affected consumers by directing all distribution utilities in the country such as Meralco to allow a staggered payment scheme. We’re hoping to hear a similar directive in the days to come," he said.

The ERC and the Department of Energy should also release clear guidelines to be followed across the country depending on what type of quarantine they are under, Gatchalian said.

In previous months, several customers experienced "bill shock" due to estimated consumptions during the lockdown period when meter reading activities were suspended.

The ERC has ordered power distributors to refund to its customers the overpayments and other charges which are supposed to be suspended amid the implementation of community quarantine measures. —Dona Magsino/KG, GMA News

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