#BILL REVEAL CHALLENGE MIGHT GONE WRONG; HIGHER BILL ELECTRICITY ON JUNE - MERALCO

The Bill reveal challenge is currently trending on various social media platforms, but the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) warned the public the risks it can cause to significant security. From just P700 to over P1,000; various video entries in the trending #BILLREVEALCHALLENGE after electricity consumption kicked in due to extreme heat. This bill reveal challenge worries Meralco.

Warning to the public not to post electric bills for security reasons (Photo courtesy of Meralco)

According to the electric concessionaire, it is dangerous to post electricity bills online because the so-called Customer Account Number (CAN) is visible. That and other private details like the address can be used by malicious people. So be careful what to post online.

It's critical to recognize the significance of the CAN. Customers may be vulnerable to fraud or illegal access if the CAN, a special identification number connected to the Meralco account, is made public. This information could be misused by malicious actors for a variety of purposes, including identity theft, fraudulent bill payments, and social engineering assaults to obtain additional personal data.

Meralco stated on social media that it prioritizes customer privacy and data protection and that safeguarding personal information is crucial. The CAN and additional information from the power bill can reveal billing history, consumption trends, and other private information. To prevent any potential misuse, it is imperative that this information be kept confidential.

"Meralco underscores the importance of refraining from sharing CAN and other confidential information present on your Meralco bill, as scrupulous individuals could exploit these details," the company said.

"We urge everyone to exercise caution in what they share on their social media profiles. Meralco places high value on safeguarding the personal information of our customers," it added.

Those who are billed reveal is still possible to increase in June, the Energy Regulatory Commission has allowed the power generators to charge the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) for the supply of reserve electricity in March. It exceeded P1 billion which is estimated at an average of P0.10 per kWh.

That will be charged to the distribution utilities which will be borne by the consumers, Meralco has not yet said how much effect that will have on the total bill. Apart from that, another thing that will affect the increase in electricity is the series of yellow alerts and red alerts in the power grid.

Source: Manila Bulletin 

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