Batangas Customers Demand Better Power
- June 3, 2025
A recent study by Capstone-Intel Corporation found widespread dissatisfaction among Batangas residents with the services of Batangas 1 Electric Cooperative (BATELEC 1) and BATELEC 2, the province’s two main electric cooperatives.
According to the findings, 54% of customers under BATELEC 2 and 46% under BATELEC 1 expressed intent to switch electricity providers due to recurring power disruptions and subpar customer support.
BATELEC 1 supplies power to the province’s western areas, including towns such as Agoncillo, Lemery, San Luis, Taal, Balayan, and Nasugbu. Meanwhile, BATELEC 2 is in charge of the eastern side, covering cities like Lipa and Tanauan, along with municipalities such as Cuenca, Rosario, San Juan, and Talisay. Batangas City and nearby areas, however, fall under the service of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco).
(Also read: Are Electric Cooperatives Worth the Taxpayers’ Money?)
Respondents’ answers
Data collected from over 1,200 respondents across 34 cities and municipalities in Batangas reveals a troubling pattern of frequent power outages. Approximately 62% of those surveyed reported experiencing one to two outages each month, though some residents said they endure as many as ten disruptions monthly. These interruptions are not only common but can also be lengthy, often lasting between one to two hours, with certain outages stretching up to three hours.
The impact is particularly severe for customers of BATELEC 2, where 93% reported multiple power interruptions. In comparison, 81% of BATELEC 1 customers said they also face repeated outages. The frequency and duration of these brownouts have become a significant source of frustration for many residents, affecting daily life and local businesses alike.
Meanwhile, customer satisfaction with the two electric cooperatives falls short of the provincial average of 4.09. BATELEC 1 received an overall rating of 3.96, while BATELEC 2 scored slightly lower at 3.90.
When it comes to customer service specifically, the ratings are equally disappointing. BATELEC 1 earned a score of 3.80, and BATELEC 2 fared marginally better with a 3.90 rating. However, both still lagged behind the provincial customer service average of 4.04.
Capstone-Intel Chief Data Scientist Dr. Guido David highlighted during a press briefing that the data reveals a growing divide in the quality of electricity services throughout the province. He pointed to ongoing mismanagement and a long history of insufficient infrastructure investment as major factors behind the persistent problems.
(Also read: Why Coal Remains Essential for Energy Security)
Higher-rated providers
On the other hand, customers of Ibaan Electric Corp. (IEC), First Bay Power Corp. (FBPC), and Manila Electric Co. demonstrated greater satisfaction, with only 32% expressing interest in changing providers.
Only 1% of Meralco customers expressed any intention to switch providers, marking the lowest rate of potential change among surveyed users. Additionally, Meralco stood out as the preferred alternative for customers dissatisfied with BATELEC 1 and 2.
When it came to local government response to power issues, less than half of BATELEC 1 and 2 customers expressed satisfaction. In contrast, 71% of respondents from IEC, FBPC, and Meralco reported positive views of their respective local government units’ handling of the situation, the study revealed.
Following the elections, it was clear that addressing power supply challenges remained a significant priority for Batangas voters. This concern was particularly pronounced among BATELEC 1 customers, who strongly backed candidates committed to improving the province’s electricity reliability.
Sources:
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/05/10/regions/batelec-customers-dissatisfied-survey/2110269
https://tribune.net.ph/2025/04/25/batangas-residents-lament-electric-coops-poor-services
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/05/11/opinion/columns/more-co-op-controversy/2110610
