Meralco extends no-disconnection policy until Jan. 31, 2021 —Velasco

The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) is extending its no-disconnection policy until January 31, 2021, according to Speaker Lord Allan Velasco.

This was after Velasco himself requested that Meralco extend its no-disconnection policy in keeping with the "bayanihan" spirit amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“The extended grace period being given to our fellow Filipinos during the holiday season will provide much needed reprieve to those reeling from the devastating effects of the pandemic and natural calamities,” Velasco said in a statement on Sunday.

“This good gesture on the part of Meralco will go a long way in helping our kababayans feel secure this Christmas,” he added.

Velasco on November 30 wrote Meralco president Ray Espinosa requesting the extension of the no-disconnection policy during the entire Christmas season until end of January 2021.

Velasco said doing so would help ease the burden of Meralco customers who are still affected by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We appreciate that Meralco had extended the same courtesy during the height of the nationwide lockdown and we expect that the company will be as considerate this yuletide season,” Velasco said in his letter.

In response, Espinosa informed Velasco in a December 14 letter that "careful evaluation and in consideration” of his request, Meralco will extend its no-disconnection policy for unpaid bills from December 31, 2020 to January 31, 2021.

The extended grace period, Espinosa added, will benefit more than three million Meralco customers with consumption of 200 kilowatt per hour and below during the billing month of December 2020, representing around 47% of their total customer base.

Velasco thanked Espinosa for "showing true bayanihan spirit and empathizing with the plight of our indigent countrymen.”

“This is how we overcome the devastating effects of this pandemic, with leaders from both private and public sectors working together to make lives better,” he added. —KG, GMA News