Power retailer Manila Electric Co. expressed interest to help bring stable and reliable electricity to Batangas province after a recent survey revealed growing dissatisfaction among residents over the unreliable electricity service provided by the local electric cooperative.
The findings showed that frequent outages are eroding public confidence in the franchise area of Batangas Electric Cooperative I and II, with many residents now considering alternative providers.
“Of course, we’re interested. If Meralco could help improve the service in the entire province of Batangas, why not? In fact, we have received a request from the local government, even from the customers themselves, for Meralco to deliver their supply, or power reliability,” Meralco executive vice-president and chief operating officer Ronnie Aperocho said.
Aperocho said Meralco is looking at different approaches for Batelec I and II.
“It could be a joint venture or whatever. Of course, we are cautious… We need to coordinate to align with the National Electrification Administration, other concerned organizations where we have to clear any agreement… Whatever the modalities… we would abide by or comply with the prevailing regulations,” he said.
Meralco, the country’s biggest power retailer, also co-manages Pampanga Electric Cooperative II.
The electric cooperative entered into an investment management contract (IMC) with Comstech Integration Alliance Inc., with Meralco as its technical partner in 2014.
Meanwhile, the Batangas survey was conducted by Capstone-Intel Corporation, which covered all 34 cities and municipalities of Batangas and included 1,200 respondents.
Using Probability Proportional to Size sampling to ensure representativeness, the study found that 62 percent of respondents experience one to two outages per month, while others reported as many as ten.
Among the hardest hit are consumers served by Batelec 2, with 93 percent reporting multiple interruptions.
Around 81 percent of Batelec 1 customers reported similar experiences. These brownouts typically last one to two hours, but some extend to three hours.
Many residents expressed a desire to switch providers, the study showed. It noted that among respondents served by Batelec 2, the willingness to transfer was particularly strong.
Capstone-Intel said improving service reliability is essential for the province’s development, noting Batangas’ role as a hub for industrial zones, ports, and growing towns.
