Batelec customers dissatisfied – survey

CUSTOMERS from the two electric cooperatives that distribute electricity in Batangas province are considering switching electrical providers, according to a recent survey.

The survey, conducted by Capstone Intel, said 54 percent of Batangas II Electric Cooperative (Batelec 2) customers and 46 percent of Batangas I Electric Cooperative (Batelec 1) customers are intending to change their providers because of "persistent service interruptions and perceived poor customer service."

The survey also said that there is a growing dissatisfaction among Batangas residents with their present electric providers and that a "significant number" has expressed their desire to change to alternative service providers if given the chance.

"According to the data culled from more than 1,200 respondents, 62 percent reported experiencing one to two power outages per month, while some claimed to endure up to ten. Batelec 2 customers were the most affected, with 93 percent reporting multiple outages, compared to 81 percent among Batelec 1 customers. These brownouts typically last between one to two hours, with some extending up to three," a statement on the survey read.

In terms of overall satisfaction, both Batelec 1 and 2 scored below the provincial average of 4.09.

Batelec 1 received a rating of 3.96, while Batelec 2 scored 3.90. Customer service ratings were similarly low, with Batelec 1 at 3.80 and Batelec 2 at 3.90, compared to the average of 4.04, Capstone Intel said.

Customers from Ibaan Electric Corp. (IEC), First Bay Power Corp. (FBPC) and Meralco had higher satisfaction levels, with 32 percent of their customers expressing interest in changing providers.

At 1 percent, Meralco customers have the lowest percent indicating intentions to change, with the provider being the top choice of providers among Batelec 1 and 2 customers.

"Less than 50 percent of Batelec 1 and 2 are satisfied with how the local government addressed power issues. In contrast, respondents from IEC, FBPC and Meralco posted a 71 percent satisfaction within their corresponding LGU," the study said.

In addition, this study also highlighted that electricity reliability became a key political issue in Batangas for the upcoming elections and that a "significant portion" of respondents, more especially Batelec 1 customers, said they would support candidates who prioritize resolving the power supply problems in the province.