The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) assured its customers that it is ready to provide 24/7 service and assistance during Holy Week.
According to Joe Zaldarriaga, Meralco VP and Head of Corporate Communications, “Meralco personnel will also be on standby 24/7 to respond to any concerns, emergencies, reports, or unexpected power interruptions.”
The company also advised its customers to heed electrical safety and efficiency measures for a worry-free Holy Week. “Simple reminders such as turning off and unplugging appliances not in use can help in managing our energy consumption,” said Zaldarriaga.
Meralco reiterated that it is suspending all disconnection activities in its franchise area until April 15, 2021, following the Government’s announcement of placing the National Capital Region, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal under a one-week Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) beginning March 29 up to April 4, 2021.
Zaldarriaga assured customers 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, 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 committed that it will continue vital operations such as meter reading, following the order of the Energy Regulatory Commission, and will also continue to work round the clock to serve its customers.
Meralco encouraged customers to send a personal message (PM) via Facebook Messenger, Twitter or call its 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.
The distribution utility has announced that 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 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.”
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 customercare@meralco.com.ph.
Zaldarriaga concluded, “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.”
