MANILA — The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) is targeting to approve one million prepaid meters from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) in its Manila franchise, within two to three years time.
“Two to three years, before we finish Manila, because we need the approval of one million meters,” Meralco Senior Vice President (SVP) and Head of Customer Retail Services and Corporate Communication Alfredo Panlilio told reporters.
He further stressed that the company is targeting to install 40,000 meters in Manila City, by mid year of 2015.
The Kuryente Load applies to all networks and is not only limited to Manny Pangilinan’s Smart Network, who is also Meralco’s Chairman.
The process works through buying a prepaid kuryente card, then registering to get the customer’s meter to light up.
Meralco has already completed an electrification program in Baseco, Manila. Panlilio noted the customers were happy with its prepaid installation.
The Meralco SVP pointed out the company will initially focus in Manila, then will roll out in finalizing the network side.
On the other hand, the distribution utility was also asked to set up Kuryente Load in other areas, namely Quezon City, Las Pinas, Cainta and Mandaluyong, according to Panlilio.
Moreover, he said the areas were chosen based on population density and segment.
He stressed the public were paying more, without the use of a meter, with the electricity charge priced between Php 45-48 per kilowatt hour (kwh).
Panlilio said with the meter installation, customers were only charged Php 11 per kwh, a discount of Php 34- 37 from their previous rates.
On Dec 15, the ERC said Meralco has already submitted an application for its Kuryente Load.
The Manila Electric Company is the largest distribution utility in the country, with its franchise covering most of Luzon.