The Department of Energy (DOE) with Secretary Alfonso Cusi at the helm makes a strong push for prepaid electricity and net metering to provide more choices to consumers. Shown in photo during one of the forums organized by DOE is Undersecretary Felix William B. Fuentebella. Resource persons from Meralco also explained the advantages of new technologies in the electric distribution sector such as the mechanics of Kuryente Load under its Prepaid Electricity Service (PRES) Program. The Kuryente Load provides ease and convenience to consumers in having electricity connection without having to bear the upfront cost of paying a bill deposit. The DOE for its part challenged Meralco to combine the two technologies to ease the financial burden for consumers.

(Taguig City). The Department of Energy-Consumer Welfare and Promotion Office (DOE-CWPO) has invited technical experts to provide the public a better understanding of the mechanisms and benefits of the Prepaid Electricity Service (PRES) through a seminar held last October 18 at the PNOC Theatre in line with the DOE’s 2016 Consumer Welfare Month celebration.

Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said, “The PRES is one of the options being offered to households in the DOE-identified areas for electrification implemented by our partner, Manila Electric Co. (MERALCO).”

In 2015, the Energy Regulatory Commission approved MERALCO’s PRES program called Kuryente Load (KLoad), by which consumers are now able to monitor and control the consumption of their electric appliances and devices to fit their budget, thus saving money, too.

Sec. Cusi explained, “If we compare it, this scheme is like the pre-paid scheme of the telecommunication companies whereby customers can load depending on their needs.”

A utility customer named Marocel relayed that their postpaid electricity bill has exceeded their budget for the month. Under such circumstances, Sec. Cusi said, “The PRES allows the Filipino customers who may have limited budget for electricity to manage their consumption. Kaya binibigyan natin sila ng option para magkaroon ng kuryente na abot-kaya na nahahawig sa ‘tingi-tinging’ pagbili na hilig din ng mga Pinoy consumers.”

In the PRES scheme of MERALCO called KLoad, intelligent meters are installed in their customers’ homes without having to pay for the meter or any service deposit. Currently, the PRES is available in the following MERALCO franchise areas:

· City of Manila

· Rizal: Angono, Cainta, Taytay, Binangonan

· Portions of San Juan, Pasig, Quezon City, Caloocan, Pasay

· Portions of Cavite and Bulacan

· Azure Urban Resort Residences, Bicutan, Parañaque

· SMDC Wind Residences, Tagaytay

· Makati, Mandaluyong, Pasig

Meanwhile, only Leyte II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (LEYECO II) is offering PRES in the Visayas.

Following the advancement in technologies, Sec. Cusi said “We are leading towards a smart grid system that utilizes a smart meter with advance features, including pre-paid service, remote reading and indication of power interruption, among others.”

“The ERC is currently studying an Advance Metering Infrastructure to ensure that customers are protected once distribution utilities roll this out,” Sec. Cusi concluded.

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