By Juzel L. Danganan
MANILA, March 23 (PNA) – Manila Electric Company (Meralco) is targeting to have another 100,000 prepaid meters for this year, on top of its previous 40,000 meters filed to the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).
“For this year, we filed for another 100,000 meters,” Meralco Senior Vice President (SVP) & Head of Customer Retail Services & Corporate Communication Alfredo Panlilio told reporters.
The prepaid meters will be used for “Kuryente Load”, which allows customers to have electricity until the balance runs out.
Panlilio said households without power in Metro Manila will be prioritized for the 100,000 prepaid meters.
The National Housing Authority (NHA) also expressed interest to avail of 30,000 to 40,000 of the prepaid meters right away, with some of its clients in Bulacan, who have two-storey houses.
However, the Meralco SVP said the 100,000 prepaid meters has no scheduled hearings at the ERC yet.
Meanwhile, the initial 40,000 prepaid meters, despite citing delays, will be launched right away after the ERC approves the application.
Panlilio expects the approval for the application for the first 40,000 meters to come out from the ERC by May or June.
The 40,000 prepaid meters will also be prioritized for potential customers in Metro Manila.
The Meralco SVP said they are not picking areas but are accommodating which areas lack power.
Panlilio said the meters will be funded through Meralco’s capital expenditures for 2015. (PNA)