Nearly 2,000 residents and business owners in Laiya, San Juan, Batangas have petitioned Batangas II Electric Cooperative (Batelec II) to allow Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) to serve the area, citing persistent power reliability issues that they say are disrupting livelihoods and constraining tourism-driven growth.

The petition, formally filed with Batelec II, underscores longstanding concerns over frequent outages in the coastal tourism hub. Residents said interruptions—often lasting one to two hours and at times extending to three hours—have become a recurring problem affecting daily activities, businesses, and public services.

Data cited in the petition aligns with findings from a recent Capstone Intel survey, which reported that 93% of Batelec II consumers experience multiple power interruptions.

Petitioners identified five key issues, led by unplanned and prolonged outages without prior notice. They said these disruptions have hampered work, online learning, and business operations, resulting in financial losses and inconvenience.

The group also raised concerns over unstable voltage, which they said has damaged appliances and equipment, including refrigerators, electric fans, and televisions used in households and tourism establishments.

Residents further cited poor customer service and inadequate maintenance of facilities, which they claim contribute to recurring outages. They also questioned the electric cooperative’s capacity to meet rising demand amid population growth and increasing tourism activity, noting the absence of clear infrastructure upgrade plans.

The petition warns that continued power instability could limit economic development in Laiya, an area positioned for further tourism expansion.

In their appeal, residents called for Meralco’s entry into the area, stating: “Ang petisyong ito ay nagmumula sa aming komunidad, bilang patunay ng aming pagkakaisa at kolektibong panawagan para sa mas maayos na serbisyo ng kuryente (The petition is a community driven effort, underscoring the residents’ unified and urgent demand for reliable and improved electricity service).”

“Kami ay naniniwala na ang pagpasok ng Meralco sa aming barangay ay makatutulong upang magkaroon ng mas maaasahan, matatag, at de kalidad na serbisyong kuryente na mahalga sa kaunlaran, kaligtasan, at pang araw araw na pamumuhay ng aming komunidad,” they added. (We believe that Meralco’s entry into our barangay will provide reliable, stable and high quality electricity service- critical to sustained growth, safety and improved daily life in our community).”

Should franchise areas be opened to alternative providers when service reliability falls short? What implications could this have for electric cooperatives and power sector regulation?

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