Senator Risa Hontiveros on Friday urged the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to implement a “no disconnection” policy for Meralco customers contesting allegedly erroneous electricity bills, saying consumers should not lose power service while their complaints are being investigated.
In a statement, Hontiveros said consumers who were incorrectly billed due to alleged faulty meter readings should not be compelled to settle disputed charges just to avoid service interruption.
“Consumers who were erroneously charged should not be forced to pay disputed charges just to keep their lights on. Hindi nila kasalanan na mali ang meter reading. Hindi konsyumers ang dapat mag-adjust,” she said.
The senator noted that complaints over unusually high electricity bills have been increasing, citing reports of a household being charged for power consumption despite having its circuit breakers switched off while the family was away on vacation.
Hontiveros’ appeal came after the ERC advised Meralco customers to continue paying their bills to avoid disconnection while their complaints are under review.
She argued that requiring consumers to pay first despite a legitimate billing dispute is unfair, adding that the money could instead be used for other essential household expenses.
The senator also called on the ERC to ensure a fast, fair, and effective process for resolving billing disputes, stressing that protecting consumers is part of the agency’s mandate.
Meralco, however, clarified that customers with pending billing disputes are not required to pay the contested amount while their cases are being evaluated and will not face disconnection during the investigation.
In a statement, Meralco Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe Zaldarriaga said the company has also suspended disconnection activities for customers with unpaid bills covering the May to July 2026 billing periods in compliance with an ERC directive.
“We would like to reiterate that we continuously address the concerns of all customers regarding their electricity bills, consumption, or meter reading through our official customer touch points,” Zaldarriaga said.
“Rest assured that we have been diligently reviewing and resolving every customer concern brought to our attention,” he added.
Meanwhile, Hontiveros said she would file a resolution seeking a Senate energy committee investigation into the reported cases of erroneous meter readings and disputed electricity bills.
