Hontiveros seeks Meralco disconnection freeze over bill disputes

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Risa Hontiveros on Friday called for a “disconnection freeze” for consumers who are contesting their Manila Electric Railroad and Light Company (Meralco) bills over alleged incorrect meter readings.

“Consumers who were erroneously charged should not be forced to pay disputed charges just to keep their lights on,” Hontiveros said in a press release.

READ: ERC: Meralco ‘bill shock’ just following the law

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“It isn’t their fault that the meter reading was faulty. Consumers should not be the ones adjusting,” she said.

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The senator made the appeal after consumers reported unusually high electricity bills due to alleged erroneous meter readings.

Hontiveros cited one case in which a household was billed for electricity consumption even though its circuit breakers had been switched off while the family was away on vacation.

According to Hontiveros, Meralco later acknowledged that the billing resulted from a meter reader’s error.

Despite this, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has advised consumers disputing their bills to pay the charges under protest to avoid service disconnection while complaints are being investigated.

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Hontiveros said the policy places an unfair burden on households already struggling financially.

“If the billing dispute is legitimate, it is unfair to force consumers to pay first. They could have used that money for other essential household expenses that month,” the senator said.

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READ: Senators want probe into Meralco’s add’l fees amid price hike

The senator also urged the ERC to strengthen consumer protection by ensuring a faster and fairer process for resolving complaints

Hontiveros said she would file a Senate resolution seeking an inquiry, in aid of legislation, by the Senate Committee on Energy into the reported cases of erroneous meter readings and billing disputes.

She said the proposed inquiry aims to determine the extent of the problem, review existing consumer protection measures, and identify reforms to protect consumers from unjust billing practices.

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The Inquirer sought comments from Meralco and the ERC but had yet to receive one as of posting time./dp