Holy Week 2021 will just be like any ordinary week for utility firm Manila Electric Company (Meralco).
in a statement, Meralco said 24/7 service and assistance to customers will continue even during the four-day holiday break.
“Meralco personnel will also be on standby 24/7 to respond to any concerns, emergencies, reports, or unexpected power interruptions,” says Joe Zaldarriaga, Meralco VP and Head of Corporate Communications.
Meralco customers were also reminded to observe electrical safety and efficiency measures for a safe and worry-free Holy Week. “Simple reminders such as turning off and unplugging appliances not in use can help in managing our energy consumption,” Zaldarriaga pointed out.
Meralco likewise repeated an earlier announcement it made about suspending all disconnection activities in its franchise area until April 15, 2021.
The pronouncement came after the government re-imposed the stricter Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) status for the National Capital Region, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal for one week beginning last March 29, Holy Monday, up to April 4, 2021, Easter Sunday.
Zaldarriaga likewise assured Meralco customers that it will continue to be very considerate during these trying times and vowed to assist its customers in need of help in their electricity concerns, saying “given the pandemic situation of the country, we will continue to aid our customers and ease their burden, giving them the necessary relief and time for them to settle their bills.”
Meralco also reiterated its commitment to continue vital operations such as meter reading even during the ECQ status, as per the order of the Energy Regulatory Commission, and the round-the-clock service to customers.
Customers were also encouraged to send a personal message (PM) via Facebook Messenger, Twitter or call Meralco’s 16211 hot-line 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.
Meralco BCs, which will operate on a skeleton workforce based on IATF guidelines, will also remain open to accept payments, applications and customer assistance, according to Zaldarriaga. Business hours will be from Monday to Friday, 7am to 3pm and 7am to 12pm on Saturdays.
BCs will be closed starting April 1 to 3, or from Maundy Thursday up 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 the recent announcement of ECQ,” said Zaldarriaga. “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.”
For details and other information, go to the Meralco website, 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].
“We are one with the nation in observing a solemn and safe Holy Week, and will continue to ensure 24/7 service to our customers during these challenging times,” Zaldarriaga concluded.