Fuses running short
Batangueños’ patience with persistent power problems in the province is running out. With new government officials now in place, there is a renewed push to end the unreliable and insufficient electricity service that has long plagued many parts of Batangas.
A recent survey across the province revealed growing support for allowing Meralco to take over as the sole electricity provider. Currently, two electric cooperatives and the dominant power distributor share the task of servicing Batangas.
The independent study, conducted by Capstone-Intel Corp., surveyed 1,200 respondents from all 34 cities and municipalities of Batangas. Using Probability Proportional to Size sampling for accuracy, the survey revealed that the majority of households serviced by Batangas 1 and 2 Electric Cooperatives (BATELEC 1 and 2) experience frequent power outages. Sixty-two percent reported one to two disruptions per month, with some areas experiencing up to 10.
The difference in service reliability is stark. While 93 percent of BATELEC 2 customers and 81 percent of BATELEC 1 customers reported repeated outages, 54 percent of Meralco customers said they experienced no power interruptions at all.
“These findings underscore a widening gap in electricity service across Batangas. Reliable electricity is not just a convenience—it’s a prerequisite for economic growth and quality of life,” said Dr. Guido David, chief data scientist at Capstone-Intel.
Satisfaction scores also reflected this disparity. BATELEC 1 and 2 scored below the provincial average of 4.09, with ratings of 3.96 and 3.90, respectively. In terms of customer service, they again lagged behind, earning 3.80 and 3.90 compared to the average of 4.04.
The reliability and performance gap is clearly influencing consumer sentiment. When asked which provider they would prefer if given a choice, 61 percent of BATELEC 2 respondents said they would choose Meralco—indicating a strong demand for better-performing utilities, especially in areas hardest hit by recurring outages.
Power reliability has become a major political issue, with many Batangueños indicating they are more likely to support candidates who prioritize resolving the province’s electricity problems.
Capstone-Intel emphasized that consistent, reliable power is critical to sustaining Batangas’ rapid growth as a hub for industry, trade, and infrastructure.
The survey, conducted in April 2025, ensured gender balance among respondents for accurate provincial representation.