The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) on Wednesday, August 5, said it will continue meter readings during the period of modified enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

Meralco appealed to local officials to let meter readers enter barangays to ensure actual consumption will be reflected in consumers’ bills.

“Meralco appeals to local government units and barangay officials to recognize meter readers as among the essential workers granted permission to work amid MECQ, and allow them access to read meters of residences,” the utility firm said.

“This will ensure that actual consumption for the month will be billed accordingly.”

Deployed meter readers will be donning protective equipment, said Meralco.

The company’s business centers also remain open during the period. Its crew and call center are available 24/7 as well.

Metro Manila and nearby provinces Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal reverted to MECQ from August 4 until August 18.

During the ECQ early on, Meralco had stopped meter readings and based March and April bills only on consumers’ previous 3-month average. When May came, consumers were shocked with the bill increase.

Meralco said the jump in electricity bills was caused by actual meter readings, as consumption not reflected in the bills during ECQ had been added to the May bill. – Rappler.com