BPL doubt in the Philippines

February 22, 2009 by Arvadmin

Under the promise of possible cheaper electricity the San Miguel Corp, Southeast Asia’s biggest food and beverage firm is considering getting into the BPL business in the Philippines.

San Miguel acquired significant stakes in Liberty Telecom and the Manilla Electric Company (Meralco). Philipines President, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo visited the San Miguel headquarters recently and given a presentation on the ‘promising’ technology of BPL.

Ramon S. Ang, San Miguel Corp. President said the company will try to bring down the cost of electricity if it develops new BPL internet delivery.

“This is a new technology. We’re pushing this to Meralco to be part of its Vision and Mission. We will also try to help bring down the cost of electricity," Ang said.

But cold water was quickly poured on the idea by Oscar Lopez whose family owns a major part of Meralco.

He told news reporters it was not appropriate to give consumer “false hopes” of a reduction in power costs. Referring to BPL being able to achieve a reduction in electricity bills, Lopez described it as ‘promises’ and further as “an impossible task”.

Meralco has a pending application with the Energy Regulatory Commission for a higher power rate.