Meralco’s no-disconnection policy extended until end-January 2021, says Velasco

MANILA, Philippines — Major power distributor Manila Electric Company (Meralco) will extend its no-disconnection policy for non-payment of electric bills until the end of January 2021, Speaker Lord Allan Velasco announced on Sunday.

Velasco earlier wrote a letter to Meralco president Ray Espinosa to request the extension of the no-disconnection policy for the entire Christmas season until the end of January next year.

“The extended grace period being given to our fellow Filipinos during the holiday season will provide much needed reprieve to those reeling from the devastating effects of the pandemic and natural calamities,” Velasco said in a statement.

“This good gesture on the part of Meralco will go a long way in helping our kababayans feel secure this Christmas,” he added.

Velasco said the extension of the no-disconnection period would help ease the burden of Meralco consumers affected by the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In his letter response to Velasco dated December 14, Espinosa informed Velasco that after “careful evaluation and in consideration” of the House leader’s request, Meralco will extend its no-disconnection policy for non-payment of bills from December 31, 2020 to January 31, 2021.

Espinosa said the extended grace period will benefit over three million Meralco customers with consumption of 200 kilowatt per hour and below during the billing month of December.

He said the number represents around 47 percent of Meralco’s total customer base.

In October, the Energy Regulatory Commission barred power distributors from disconnecting accounts of households with low energy consumption due to non-payment of bills until the end of 2020.

EDV