Time for digital smart meters
Under this pandemic, BK3 recognizes even more the importance of reliable, fact-based information for us to make important decisions and policies. There is thus the need to help disseminate such information—information that guides relevant and responsible consumer behavior.
In the energy sector now, an important development is Meralco’s latest announcement regarding electricity consumption, billing, and payments for a number of months under the quarantine.
In sum, Meralco has announced the following and is asking for the public’s kind indulgence:
- It was not able to read all electric meters during the quarantine period given to quarantine and lockdown-related restrictions in the mobility of its field personnel.
- About 2.8 million households and establishments with meters were not reached. Certainly, these have yet to pay their bills while the rest billed and some have in fact already paid.
- In June, all accounts will already be billed based on ACTUAL meter readings and not mere estimates. Those whose meters have not been read and have not yet therefore paid will get their billing for the whole period of the quarantine months—a total amount for the four months March, April. May, and June. Expect this to be therefore a rather hefty sum—an amount equivalent to one-third of the customer’s year- long consumption.
- The total price for a customer’s four-month bill in June will be determined based on Meralco meter reading in June and in March when the quarantine and lockdowns began. This is based on actual meter readings.
- To ease the burden on us consumers, Meralco is following an ERC order to allow for installment payments for this four-month bill. Consumption of 200 KWH and below may settle in 6 monthly installments while all above may settle in 4 months. A fair and reasonable solution.
In view of these, we advise the consuming public to be prudent and consider well how they have made use of electricity in their households and/or establishments. Consider well your billing statements. For any concerns and clarifications on your charges, it is best that you immediately pay a visit to any Meralco business/payment center and clarify matters.
In all of these, it might be time to reassert the need to further develop the grid by allowing for digital meters which are more accurate, reliable, and multi-functional. In the longer term, the employment of such devices could serve as the digital backbone of a greener, cleaner, more inclusive, and sustainable energy sector.
Let us work together for solutions that would hasten our recovery from this crisis.