This week, Meralco started sending disconnection notices to its customers who have not yet paid their electricity bills.
“Nung Sabado, naglabas kami ng anunsiyo dahil nagbalik na tayo sa GCQ (general community quarantine) so ‘yung itinigil naming disconnection activities, nung na-lift na ‘yung MECQ (modified enhanced community quarantine) at ibinaba na sa GCQ, ‘yung disconnection notices ay ipinadala na natin simula Lunes,” said Joe Zaldarriaga, spokesperson of Meralco.
(On Saturday, we announced because we have returned to GCQ (general community quarantine) so we stopped disconnection activities, when the MECQ (modified enhanced community quarantine) was lifted and lowered to GCQ, we delivered the disconnection notices starting Monday.)
In an interview with TeleRadyo Thursday morning, Zaldarriaga assured that Meralco would not immediately cut off power once customers receive the disconnection notice. There are 5 to 7 days given for them to settle their obligation.
“’Pag nakatanggap naman ang customers natin n’yan hindi naman antimano ay magpuputol tayo. Sabi nga namin magiging mapagmalasakit tayo ngayong panahon ng pandemya, kausapin lang po kami. Ina-adjust po namin case-to-case basis doon sa mga talagang nahihirapan magbayad. Hindi natin priority mamutol,” he said.
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Meralco begins distribution of disconnection notice
(When our customers receive that, we will not cut it off right away. We said we would be concerned during the pandemic, talk to us. We adjust on a case-to-case basis for those who really have difficulty paying. We do not prioritize disconnection.)
But they ask customers that they should not wait for the disconnection notice to arrive if they can afford to pay.
“‘Wag na nating paabutin ‘yung last minute. Kahit hindi pa nila natatanggap, pero alam nilang may arrears sila, makipag-usap na po,” he said.
(Let’s not prolong the last minute. Even if they haven’t received it yet, but they know they have arrears, they should talk to us.)
He said Meralco is open to talking. They can call the 16211 hotline to discuss their account or contact Meralco’s social media accounts.
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