Meralco to continue suspension of disconnection activities in MECQ, granular lockdown areas

The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) on Tuesday said service disconnection activities will remain suspended in areas under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) until the end of September 2021.

In a statement, Meralco said that disconnection activities will remain suspended following the government’s announcement placing the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal and Lucena City in Quezon under MECQ from September 8 to 30.

The power distribution utility said that disconnection activities will also be suspended in areas in the National Capital Region (NCR) that will be placed under granular lockdown until the end of the month.

The government placed NCR under general community quarantine (GCQ) from September 8 to 30, but quickly clarified that granular lockdowns will be implemented in certain areas. 

For areas under GCQ and not under granular lockdowns, Meralco gave assurance to its customers that it will be very considerate and compassionate.

The power distributor also encouraged customers to reach out to them to discuss their concerns and even come up with payment arrangements, if needed.

“Given the heightened restrictions still being implemented during the month of September, 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,” Geluz said.

Customers may get in touch safely and easily by sending a private or direct message through Facebook or Twitter, or call its 16211 hotline, Meralco said.

If they still need to go to the Meralco Business Centers (BCs), they may opt to book an online appointment through the Meralco website for a safe and hassle-free transaction, it said.

Meralco BCs are open to accept payments, applications and customer assistance.

Business hours are from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Friday and 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays for payment transactions only.

The ERC, in an advisory last year, encouraged customers who have the capacity to pay to settle their bills to help manage the cash flow in the energy supply chain and ensure the continuous supply of electricity.

Meralco said all vital operations such as meter reading, bill delivery will continue, and that its crew will also work round-the-clock to serve its customers. — RSJ, GMA News