Meralco controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2020
Meralco apologizes and offers to shoulder and refund app payment fees
Company response
After customers objected to a P47 convenience fee for bills paid through the Meralco app, Meralco issued an apology and its president said the company would shoulder the fee during the ECQ period and refund fees customers had paid.
Company response
Apology — Meralco
Meralco released a letter of apology to the customers.
Refund or compensation — Meralco
Knowing their own errors, MERALCO’s president Ray Espinosa said they would shoulder the convenience fee charged during the ECQ period. Moreover, he added that they would refund to the customers the fees they paid.
Source excerpt
As such, according to a report from DZMM, Meralco released a letter of apology to the customers.
However, amid the coronavirus quarantine, Meralco decided to wave a P47 “convenience fee” for those using the app. This outraged several customers who said the decision was exploitative.
Knowing their own errors, MERALCO’s president Ray Espinosa said they would shoulder the convenience fee charged during the ECQ period. Moreover, he added that they would refund to the customers the fees they paid.
2008
High electricity-rate controversy
Meralco faced a legislative inquiry over allegations of excessive electricity pricing. Critics questioned its efficiency, system losses, and power procurement practices, while Meralco attributed charges to generation costs, transmission costs, and taxes. The controversy also included public debate over a possible government takeover.
2008
Syndicated estafa and bribery allegations
The Department of Justice pursued syndicated estafa charges involving Meralco officers and directors over the treatment of interest associated with customer meter and bill deposits. A separate controversy involved allegations in the GSIS–Meralco bribery case. The syndicated estafa case was dismissed by a Pasig court in October 2008.
1999
Disconnection dispute involving a Valenzuela customer
A consumer complaint alleged that Meralco representatives entered premises and disconnected electricity without adequate notice. The Court of Appeals later ruled that the disconnection violated legal requirements.