PINURI ng consumer group na Laban Konsyumer, Inc. (LKI) ang pagkakaroon ng Meralco ng no disconnection policy sa gitna ng pananalasa ng pandemya sa COVID-19.

Sinabi ni LKI President Atty. Vic Dimagiba, “our group would like to commend the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) as they said on Monday that it is continuing the suspension of all disconnection activities in its franchise area until April 30, 2021 following the Government’s announcement placing the National Capital Region, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal under a modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) until the end of the month. We hope that other utilities follow this example as well.”

Binigyang diin ng LKI “Especially since MECQ has been established and many workers still have no means to pay their bills, to protect consumer welfare, DUs like Meralco, in this case, show true compassion for the everyday citizen as they will continue to put on hold all disconnection activities until April 30.”

“We hope the other utilities and electric cooperatives (EC) can follow this example as this extension will help lessen the burden of the customers and provide enough relief and time for them to settle their bills. It is welcome news that Meralco will continue to be very considerate during this period and they also vowed to assist its customers in need of help with their concerns. Others should imitate,” banggit pa ni Dimagiba.

Ipinahayag ng grupo na sila’y naninindigan na mahalaga na ang mga DU at kooperatiba gaya ng Meralco at ibang EC, ay magpatuloy sa mahahalaga nitong operasyon gaya ng pagbabasa ng metro bilang pagsunod sa kautusan ng Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), at magpapatuloy sa paghahatid ng serbisyo anomang oras sa mga customer nito.

Sinabi ni Dimagiba, “Our group believes that it is important and very crucial for consumer welfare that Meralco and other DUs’ business operations, including meter reading and bill delivery activities, will continue throughout the MECQ. This will ensure that actual consumption for the month will be billed accordingly.”

Subalit, hinihikayat naman ng LKI ang mga konsyumer na may kakayahan at sapat na pera na magbayad ng kanilang mga bill ayon sa orihinal nitong due date upang makatulong sa pangangasiwa ng daloy ng pera sa energy supply chain at masiguro ang tuluy-tuloy na supply ng kuryente. Batid ng grupo na makatutulong ito sa pag-iwas sa biglaang pagtaas ng bayarin at sa pagkaipon nito kinalaunan.

Tinapos ni Dimagiba ang kanyang pahayag sa pagsasabi na, “Actually, right now, what is crucial is that utilities continue working like clockwork because they are the backbone of our country and our economy. Thus, it is good to hear that Meralco crews will also continue to be on standby 24/7 to respond to any emergencies and reports.”