Comply with requirements before disconnecting users

SC REMINDER. The Supreme Court rules that electricity companies must strictly comply with legal requirements before billing or disconnecting customers. Photo of LeAnne Jazul / Rappler, Shutterstock Electric Meter Photo, Meralco Billing Photo

MANILA, Philippines – The Supreme Court (SC) has stated that electric companies must meet all legal requirements before disconnecting and charging consumers. The SC said in a 22-page decision written by Marvic Lenonen, associate judge of the SC, that companies can not charge customers for electricity allegedly used but not yet billed if companies do not have inspected and repaired the electric meters.

"It is well established that electricity distribution companies, which rely on mechanical devices and equipment for the orderly operation of their activities, have a duty to carry out periodic inspections. and due to their own negligence, they risk losing the amounts owed by the relevant customers, "said Mr. Lenonen

of a case between Manila Electric Company (Meralco) and Nordec Philippines In 1987, Meralco had overcharged about 5.625 P6 of Nordec Philippines, but its electricity supply was cut off.

"It should also be noted that at a third inspection on November 23, 1987, 39, other irregularities were observed in the Nordec meters. Even though all of Nordec's power equipment was off, Meralco had failed in its duty, as required by law and the jurisprudence of a public utility, said the CS [19659008]. 48-hour disconnection rule and discovery of altered and defective meters during the prescribed 4-mite inspection period. He also stated that Meralco was "obliged" to explain the basis of its billing.

"The serious consequences for a consumer, whose power supply has been cut off, must be strictly in accordance with the legal requirements before the disconnection.This is all the more true given the dominant position of Meralco on the market in relation to the weak bargaining position of its customers ", reads the decision

CS ordered Meralco to pay Nordec the overbilled charges of P5.625 and P30, 000 in damages and the costs of the combination. – Rappler.com