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POWER. Meralco line installers repairing a power line after an electrical spark was reported in Mandaluyong City Photo by Rob Reyes / Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – Consumers and advocates called the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) for what they said was the sudden jump in energy bills for the month of May, during the coronavirus blockade.
“While it is understandable that people in the household consume more electricity, it is incredible that consumption increases 3 or 4 times more in just one month.” said Gerry Arances, coordinator of the Power for People Coalition (P4P), a clean energy and consumer rights group.
P4P added that there were even several power outages during the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in April and May.
“We cannot help but feel that Meralco is using the ECQ as a convenient scapegoat to cover its deficiencies,” said Arances.
P4P urged the Board of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to investigate the allegations against Meralco.
In a statement, Meralco spokesman Joe Zaldarriaga tried to explain the jump in May bills compared to the previous months.
He said that some invoices for March and all those for April were estimated based on consumers’ 3-month average daily consumption, which follows the rules issued by the ERC.
“The 3 months that were used as the base (December 2019, January 2020 and February 2020) were considered energy-efficient months, as they were significantly cooler months compared to the summer months of March, April and May” Zaldarriaga said.
But for May bills, Meralco said they are already based on actual readings, which may explain the increase.
“The May bill is the result of actual kWh (kilowatt hour) consumption from the current meter reading, with adjustments already reflected from the previous estimated consumption. This total, which is already based on actual and actual readings, is what customers really look at the May invoice. That’s why you may notice an increase in the total amount owed, “the company said.
Meralco added that customers likely used more appliances as home air conditioners during the ECQ, increasing electricity charges.
The power distributor argued that meter reading activities remain accurate and transparent, but P4P is not convinced.
“Meralco’s track record does not allow us to believe what it says when it comes to our bills. In fact, its track record shows the opposite, that it tends to charge consumers as much as it thinks it can get away with and then very much. reluctantly, part of consumers’ money only when they have no other choice, “Arances said.
According to the Bayanihan to heal as a single law, utility payments are suspended while the ECQ is in place.
Unpaid invoices with expiration dates from March 1 to May 15 (billing dates from February 21 to May 6) must be converted into 4 equal monthly installments. (READ: FALSE: invoices for March and April 2020 now free – Meralco)
For any concerns or questions regarding meter reading or invoices, customers can call Meralco’s 16211 hotline or visit the company’s social media accounts.
Meralco’s main net income in the first quarter was P5.7 billion, a modest 2% increase over the same period last year.
Total revenues fell 7% to P70 billion at the end of the first quarter due to lower electricity revenues. – Rappler.com
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