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Residents of Barangay Laiya Aplaya in San Juan, Batangas are calling for a major change in their electricity provider, urging a shift from BATELEC to Meralco due to what they describe as years of unstable and unreliable power supply.

Barangay Captain Wenceslao L. Llana III said the community has long struggled under BATELEC’s service, especially during peak seasons like summer and Holy Week when demand for electricity spikes.

“So here, ever since, we've been having a hard time when it comes to supply and stability of the electricity that enters the Laiya Aplaya. So especially, the consumers here feel that during the summer season, where there is a high demand for electricity, what happens is that the electricity fluctuates, and at the same time, sometimes the appliances are underpowered, like air-conditioners, refrigerators, etc. So that's what often happens.”

He added that low voltage and frequent outages have become common, forcing resorts to rely on generators—adding to operational costs and affecting tourism in the area.

Residents also shared how the unreliable supply impacts their livelihoods and daily routines.

“During the summer season or Holy Week, we really can't use the electricity supply here. It's so weak. And the electric fans are almost never working.”

“For us, we have a small child. He can't sleep well when it's hot. He needs an air conditioner, but he doesn't use it.”

According to Llana, workers such as carpenters and welders are also affected when power interruptions halt their jobs, further highlighting the limitations of the current BATELEC service.

Beyond personal inconvenience, the community says the situation is holding back economic growth in the popular beach destination. Laiya Aplaya, known for its resorts, depends heavily on stable electricity to support tourism and small businesses.

Because of this, residents are now appealing for the entry of the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) as an alternative provider. In a formal letter addressed to Engr. Octavious M. Mendoza, General Manager of BATELEC II, the community outlined their concerns and collective request.

The petition cited several long-standing issues under BATELEC, including frequent and prolonged brownouts with little notice, unstable voltage that damages appliances, slow response to complaints and maintenance, and the inability to meet the area’s growing electricity demand.

Residents believe that bringing in Meralco could improve service reliability and help boost the local economy, pointing to areas where the company operates as examples of better power stability and development.

“I've heard a lot about Meralco. The electricity service is very good,” Llana said.

He also expressed hope for a possible partnership between BATELEC and Meralco, saying similar arrangements in other areas have led to improved infrastructure and economic growth.

“It’s a good opportunity for BATELEC and Meralco to join forces… maybe the electricity supply will be better.”

For now, residents of Laiya Aplaya say they remain hopeful that their unified call to move away from BATELEC and welcome Meralco will lead to concrete action—and finally bring stable electricity to their community.