Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) is intensifying efforts to curb electricity pilferage as it moves to further reduce non-technical system losses and improve the efficiency and reliability of its distribution network.
The utility said it is combining stricter field inspections, coordination with law enforcement agencies and investments in smart metering and network modernization to address illegal service connections and meter tampering.
Meralco Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe Zaldarriaga said the company is considering the gradual rollout of smart meters, which can detect unusual consumption patterns faster and make electricity meters more difficult to tamper with.
Unlike conventional meters that require manual readings and physical inspection when irregularities are suspected, smart metering systems can automatically capture consumption data and flag potential anomalies.
The planned deployment, however, remains subject to regulatory approval.
Zaldarriaga said Meralco continues to invest heavily in substations, distribution lines and other network infrastructure to improve operational efficiency and bring down technical system losses.
“At Meralco, we have made significant investments in our capital expenditures to improve the distribution system, and these investments are paying off,” he said.
He added that the company’s continuing capital investments have helped strengthen the network and improve service reliability, particularly during periods of high demand and challenging operating conditions.
Meralco is also supporting the Department of Energy’s “Brigada Kontra Jumper” campaign, which allows consumers to report suspected illegal electrical connections, jumpers and tampered meters through the eGovPH platform.
The company continues to coordinate with the Philippine National Police in pursuing violations of Republic Act No. 7832, or the Anti-Electricity and Electric Transmission Lines/Materials Pilferage Act.
Zaldarriaga warned that electricity pilferage has broader operational consequences for the distribution system. Illegal connections can overload transformers and other facilities, potentially causing equipment failures and service interruptions that affect legitimate customers.
“The battle against illegal connections, against jumpers and tampering is not just Meralco alone, it’s a societal issue,” he said.
For Meralco, reducing system losses and curbing pilferage form part of a wider effort to improve network performance while ensuring that capital spending translates into better service for consumers.
Zaldarriaga said the challenge is to balance the need for continued infrastructure modernization with the impact of investments on customers.
“As a distribution utility, we need the necessary resources to implement modernization efforts that will improve our service,” he said. “At the end of the day, our responsibility is to provide quality and reliable service to our customers and ensure that we deliver the level of service expected of us, including reliable electricity 24/7.”