THE Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) said it has reached an agreement with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) to streamline the process of inspecting locators’ power facilities, thereby allowing them to start operations faster.
The agreement involves the issuance of electronic Certificates of Final Electrical Inspection (eCFEI) to economic zone locators.
“Recognizing the crucial role of businesses in generating jobs and supporting economic recovery, (we have) partnered with the PEZA to assist customers applying for electrical connections and promote ease of doing business,” Meralco said in a statement Thursday.
In July, Meralco entered into similar agreements with 27 local government units in Luzon including Metro Manila and neighboring provinces, to digitalize processing the household consumers’ Certificate of Final Electri-cal Inspection (CFEI).
CFEI is considered proof that electrical wiring has been inspected and is compliant with the Philippine Electrical Code.
The eCFEI program was intended to save power consumers the trouble of going back and forth between municipal agencies and Meralco business centers during the pandemic.
On Wednesday, the eCFEI program was piloted within the Cavite Economic Zone with electricity supplied by Meralco Ecozone Power.
The pilot test will run for three months, while full implementation is scheduled for March 1, covering all PEZA-accredited businesses within the Meralco franchise area.
“This indeed is a very timely initiative, as we sign to become partners in providing the eCFEI service in our various economic zones. PEZA is now embarking on very aggressive and dynamic programs spelled out by our transformation roadmap, where we have to address and enhance the ease of doing business in the Philippines and enhance the efficiency factors needed by our present and future investors,” PEZA Director General Charito B. Plaza said during the signing on Nov. 24.
The Philippines has 413 economic zones. — Marielle C. Lucenio
