Utility firm Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) said it will immediately suspend all disconnection activities in its franchise area until April 15, 2021.
The announcement came after the government placed the National Capital Region (NCR), Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) status for one week starting March 29 up to April 4, 2021.
“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,” says Ferdinand Geluz, Meralco FVP and Chief Commercial Officer.
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 reiterated that Meralco will continue to be very considerate during these trying times and vowed to assist its customers in need of help in their electricity concerns.
In an earlier statement, Meralco likewise expressed its commitment to continue vital operations like meter reading in compliance with the order of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and vowed to work round the clock to serve its customers.
Meralco also encouraged its customers to send a personal message (PM) via social media platforms such as Facebook Messenger or 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.
The measure ensures that customers can save time and effort, but more importantly, minimizes any potential and unnecessary exposure to the virus.
Meralco said its BCs will remain open to accept payments, applications and customer assistance. Business hours will be from 7am to 3pm on skeleton workforce in compliance to IATF guidelines from Monday to Friday and 7am to 12pm on Saturdays. BCs will be closed from April 1 to 3 in observance of Maundy Thursday to 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 Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF).
“Meralco business operations, including meter reading activities, will continue despite stricter quarantine measures,” said Geluz. “Rest assured there will be strict implementation of health protocols in order to safeguard the health and safety of both customers and our personnel. This will ensure that actual consumption for the month will be billed accordingly.”
Geluz added that Meralco crews will be on standby 24/7 to respond to any emergencies and reports.
Meralco’s customer touchpoints include the Meralco website at www.MERALCO.com.ph, and its social media accounts on Twitter @MERALCO, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MERALCO, and the Meralco Hotline at 16211. Customers can also send emails to [email protected].