Customers of major utility firms Meralco, Maynilad and Manila Water could heave a sigh of relief as disconnection of water and electricity services will be suspended until April 30 following the extension of the enhanced community quarantine imposed over the NCR Plus Bubble.
Given the ongoing pandemic situation and the latest quarantine measures, and always conscious of the challenges our customers are facing amid these trying times, we will continue to put on hold all disconnection activities until April 30, 2021
IF THERE was one good thing that came out of the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) imposed over Metro Manila and four nearby provinces, it was that there will be no disconnection of water and electricity services during the said period which will last until April 30.
In a statement, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) has ordered Maynilad and Manila Water to extend the suspension of service disconnection activities, whether temporary or permanent, "until the MECQ is lifted."
"This is to ensure that all customers receive clean and adequate water supply for their health and sanitation requirements, especially during this difficult time of pandemic," MWSS said.
Meanwhile, Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) also announced the extension of the suspension of disconnection activities in its franchise area until the end of the month.
Meralco First Vice President and Chief Commercial Ferdinand Geluz said the extension is in efforts to provide customers enough relief and time for them to settle their bills.
"Given the ongoing pandemic situation and the latest quarantine measures, and always conscious of the challenges our customers are facing amid these trying times, we will continue to put on hold all disconnection activities until April 30, 2021," he said in an advisory.
However, business operations including meter reading and bill delivery activities will continue.
"Our continued operations will ensure that actual consumption for the month will be billed accordingly. But rest assured there will be strict implementation of health protocols in order to safeguard the health and safety of both customers and our personnel," said Geluz.
The three utility companies serve areas currently under a modified ECQ, which was imposed last March 29 by the national government to control the spread of Covid-19. (ONT)
Tags: #water, #electricity, #Maynilad, #ManilaWater, #Meralco, #Covid19, #modifiedECQ