Amid growing public frustration over persistent power outages in Batangas, Meralco Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Ronnie L. Aperocho confirmed the company’s interest in expanding its services in the province, potentially through a joint venture or other cooperative arrangement.
“If Meralco could help improve the service in the entire province of Batangas, why not?” Aperocho said in a recent interview. “We have received a request from the local government, even from the customers themselves, for Meralco to help address issues related to supply or power reliability.”
Aperocho noted that the company is exploring multiple options, including partnerships with existing cooperatives. “Actually, we’re looking at different approaches. It could be a joint venture or something similar. Of course, we are cautious… we need to coordinate and align with the National Electrification Administration and other concerned organizations,” he added, citing the need to comply with current regulations before formalizing any agreement.
The statement comes as a new survey by Capstone-Intel shows power reliability has become a central issue for Batangas voters ahead of the 2025 midterm elections. According to the research firm, 93% of customers under Batangas II Electric Cooperative (BATELEC 2) and 81% under BATELEC 1 report frequent outages, with brownouts occurring up to ten times a month in some areas.
“These findings are a wake-up call—not just for utilities, but for government leaders as well,” said Capstone-Intel Chief Data Scientist Dr. Guido David, who presented the data in a press briefing. “The people of Batangas are demanding dependable power, and they’re paying attention to who delivers it.”
While both BATELEC 1 and BATELEC 2 have faced mounting criticism, BATELEC 2 customers appear most eager for change. The survey found that a large segment of residents are prepared to support candidates who prioritize resolving the province’s electricity woes.
Aperocho said Meralco remains open to discussions with all stakeholders. “Whatever the modalities, we will abide by and comply with prevailing regulations,” he stressed.
Batangas, a strategic industrial and economic hub, has seen growing demand for stable electricity to support its growth. The outages, which often last one to three hours, have disrupted not only residential life but also commercial and manufacturing operations.
If pursued, a Meralco entry could mark a major shift in how electric service is delivered in the province—especially if coordinated transitions or joint ventures with the current cooperatives are approved by regulators.
Should Meralco step in to fix Batangas’ power crisis? Share your thoughts in the comments. Follow Power Philippines on Facebook and LinkedIn for more updates.
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