Meralco lauds government’s drive vs power thieves

The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) has lauded government’s cooperation in the company’s effort to cut down on its system losses.

This, as Interior and Local Government Secretary Angelo Reyes expressed support for the electric distribution utilities’ program intended to reduce their respective electric system losses.

A memorandum of agreement (MOA) has been signed by different government agencies to ensure a continuous and sustained campaign against electricity pilferage.

In a memorandum issued by Reyes to all local chief executives, DILG regional directors and field officers, he said the MOA is in line with President Arroyo’s directive to reduce system losses.

Under the MOA, participating agencies will assume bigger roles in assisting electric utilities in the apprehension of power thieves and to prioritize and diligently implement the provisions of Republic Act 7832 or the Anti-Electric Pilferage Act of 1994.

To ensure the success of the anti-pilferage campaign, Reyes urged all local chief executives to support the anti-pilferage campaign with the same zeal and enthusiasm shown in previous campaigns.

He also said that improving the country’s electric and distribution system by eradicating pilferage is one step towards attaining the President’s vision of uplifting the economic condition of the masses.

"Reducing electricity pilferage will result in lowering the cost of electricity and would ultimately redound to the benefit of the people," he added.

Pursuant to RA 7832, the Philippine National Police has been assisting in the apprehension of illegal users of electricity.

Meralco vice president for corporate communication Elpi Cuna, for his part, said "We at Meralco have also intensified our campaign against power thieves. To this end, we are closely coordinating with the police and local authorities."

"In fact we launched an ad campaign dubbed as KuryenteWatch, wherein we made known to the public the dangers of illegal connections and the negative consequences of resorting to power pilferage," he added.