07/07/2025
Meralco Emerges as Batangas' Preferred Power Provider, Independent Survey Reveals
Meralco has emerged as the preferred electricity provider among Batangueños, overtaking local electric cooperatives in terms of customer satisfaction, reliability, and service delivery. This is based on an independent survey conducted by Capstone-Intel in April 2025, which covered a representative sample of 1,200 residents across 34 municipalities in the province. The survey showed that a growing number of Batangas residents, particularly those served by Batangas I Electric Cooperative (BATELEC 1) and Batangas II Electric Cooperative (BATELEC 2), are dissatisfied with the frequency of power interruptions and the overall quality of service provided by their current distributors.
The findings revealed that 62% of customers under BATELEC 1 and BATELEC 2 experience one to two power outages per month, while some reported interruptions occurring as often as 10 times monthly. Alarmingly, 93% of BATELEC 2 customers and 81% of BATELEC 1 customers confirmed experiencing repeated outages. In contrast, Meralco customers in the province reported significantly better service reliability, with 54% stating they experienced no power outages at all. This stark difference in performance appears to have influenced consumer perception and preference.
Customer satisfaction ratings further underscore this disparity. BATELEC 1 received an average satisfaction score of 3.96, while BATELEC 2 scored 3.90—both falling below the provincial average of 4.09. Meralco, meanwhile, recorded a higher satisfaction score, particularly in customer service, with a rating of 4.04, significantly outperforming both cooperatives. When asked if they would switch to Meralco if given the opportunity, 61% of BATELEC 2 customers said yes, suggesting strong demand for a change in service provider among local consumers.
Capstone-Intel emphasized the importance of a stable and reliable electricity supply for Batangas, a province rapidly developing through industrial, commercial, and infrastructure investments. With continued growth expected, residents are increasingly demanding utility providers that can support these developments with dependable power service. The results of the survey may influence future decisions by consumers and local government units, especially in light of Republic Act 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), which allows for competition in the power distribution sector under specific conditions.
As Meralco continues to expand its presence and maintain its reputation for reliability, the pressure is now on local cooperatives like BATELEC 1 and 2 to improve their service delivery—or risk losing customer loyalty in a market that is clearly open to change.