The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has issued a show-cause order to the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) for alleged violation of the regulatory body’s directives on customer during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) measures.
“The commission provided enough guidance to the distribution utilities on their dealings with their consumers during the periods of the ECQ and MECQ, so as not to cause additional burden at the time of a public health emergency due to COVID-19. We cannot tolerate such non-compliance and any erring party must be held accountable for their actions or misactions,” Agnes Devanadera, ERC’s chairperson and chief executive officer, said in a statement.
ERC said Meralco erred when it did not explicitly indicate in their customers’ billing statements it used estimated consumption in determining the amount to be paid.
ERC also said Meralco also failed to comply with its order to implement a staggered payment to customers in areas covered by the ECQ extension until May 15 and which should start no earlier than May 30.
The ERC also asked Meralco to explain its alleged failure to implement the amortization in four equal monthly installments, payable in the four succeeding billing months following the end of the ECQ for the cumulative amount of electricity bill that have fallen due within the
ECQ.
Meralco was given 10 days from receipt of the show-cause order to explain.
“We confirm receipt of the letter from ERC and we are given 10 days from receipt to respond. We believe that we have complied with the existing regulations and directives set by the regulator and we will explain in full to the commission the basis for our actions and compliance. We reiterate that Meralco has not violated any rule even if our operations were severely challenged by this pandemic,” said Jose Ronald Valles, Meralco first vice president and head of regulatory management.