THE Visayan Electric will implement a no disconnection policy in areas under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ), specifically the cities of Cebu and Mandaue until Aug. 15, 2021.
This is pursuant to a memorandum from the Department of Energy dated Aug. 6 that the electric utility received on Aug. 10.
The memorandum, signed by Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, encouraged all distribution utilities in areas that have been declared by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) under ECQ or MECQ to “implement a no disconnection policy for all electricity consumers due to non-payment of bills” falling due on the periods of ECQ or MECQ set by the IATF.
Cusi likewise called on electricity consumers who have the ability to pay, to settle their electricity bills on time “to help manage the cash flow in the energy supply chain and ensure the continuous operation of entities providing electricity and associated services.”
Meanwhile, Visayan Electric customers who are living or doing business in areas under general community quarantine and who cannot pay their bills in full as of the moment, may get in touch with the Customer Service at 230-8326, the Visayan Electric Facebook page or visit any of the service centers to request for a payment arrangement.
“While electricity is important, especially now that many are working from home, we understand the difficulties that our customers are going through. We are offering payment arrangements for those qualified customers who cannot pay their bills in full,” said Visayan Electric president and chief operating officer Raul Lucero.
The utility, Lucero added, has also implemented customer visits to remind those who are due for disconnection to settle their accounts.
“We have added this service to our customers. Our crew will visit those who are due for disconnection to remind them about their dues and guide them on what to do should they need to avail themselves of a payment arrangement,” he said.
Customers who are qualified to avail themselves of payment arrangements are those who have no history of pilferage, and who are in good standing. (PR)