A survey in Batangas province found that 54 percent of BATELEC 2 customers and 46 percent of BATELEC 1 customers are keen to switch electricity providers.
The survey by Capstone Intel revealed that a significant number of customers expressed a desire to switch if given the opportunity.
Data from more than 1,200 respondents showed that 62 percent reported experiencing one to two power outages per month, while some claimed up to 10.
BATELEC 2 customers were the most affected, with 93 percent reporting multiple outages, compared to 81 percent among BATELEC 1 customers. They outages typically lasted one to two hours, with some extending up to three.
Both BATELEC 1 and 2 satisfaction ratings scored below the provincial average of 4.09. BATELEC 1 received a rating of 3.96, while BATELEC 2 scored 3.90. Customer service ratings were similarly low, with BATELEC 1 at 3.80 and BATELEC 2 at 3.90, compared to the average of 4.04.
Customers of other providers such as Ibaan Electric Corp. (IEC), First Bay Power Corp. (FBPC) and Manila Electric Co. reported higher satisfaction levels, with only 32 percent expressing interest in switching.
Meralco customers had the lowest percentage indicating a desire to change, at 1 percent. Meralco also emerged as the top choice of provider among dissatisfied BATELEC 1 and 2 customers.
The study showed that electricity reliability has become a key political issue in Batangas. Less than 50 percent of BATELEC 1 and 2 customers are satisfied with how the local government addressed power issues.
Respondents from IEC, FBPC and Meralco posted 71 percent satisfaction within their corresponding local government units.
A significant portion of respondents indicated they would support candidates who prioritize resolving the province’s power supply challenges, a sentiment particularly strong among BATELEC 1 customers.
