Application for Power Line Operator Certification
Follow the 5 easy steps of application:
Step 1: Talk to your Relationship Manager and submit the necessary requirements/documents for scanning and uploading.
All PLO Certification applicants must submit the following:
- Letter of Authorization (from authorized representative of the Building Owner)
- Site Development Plan and Section Elevation Plan with dimensions and incorporating Meralco Facilities with clearances (Preferably soft copy, otherwise bond paper-size hard copy)
- Location Sketch (Vicinity Map)
- Pictures of the site capturing the entire structure and the vicinity area including the existing Meralco facilities (Note: If there are no Meralco facilities in the area, pictures of the site itself are acceptable.)
- Other requirements deemed necessary by Meralco
Step 2: Wait for our email regarding your field inspection schedule.
Step 3: Our official engineer will visit your location for clearance assessment.
Step 4: Wait for email confirmation of approval or revision requirement.
Step 5: Wait for the release of approved design and PLOC via email.
The RA No. 11361 or the Anti-Obstruction of Power Lines (AOPL) Act was enacted in August 2019 to ensure that there is continuous transmission and distribution of electricity and for protection of integrity and reliability of power lines. Its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) was signed in February 2020.
The Anti-Obstruction of Power Lines (AOPL) Act authorizes the Power Line Operator (PLO) to issue a certificate ensuring compliance to minimum clearances of building structures to the power lines.
PLO refers to generation companies, the transmission network owner and its concessionaire, the DUs, other distribution entities, and other entities having ownership and/or responsibility for the operation and maintenance of power lines.
The PLO Certification is a Local Government Unit (LGU) requirement prior to issuance of the Building Permit. It is issued by a PLO if a construction or maintenance activity does not enter/affect the Power Line Corridor (PLC) in accordance with Annex A (Discusses and illustrates the required safety clearances for overhead lines which define the PLC) and Table B (PLC Clearances for Non-Hazardous Rigid Structures) of the IRR. This PLO Certification shall be presented/submitted by the building owner/applicant along with the application for a building permit to the building official of the concerned LGU.
Constituted as the land beneath, the air spaces surrounding, and the area traversed by power lines, which shall be kept clear and free from any power line obstructions, dangerous structures, hazardous activities and improvements and other similar circumstances in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
All residential and non-residential property owners or authorized representatives applying for Building Permit are required to apply for and secure a PLO Certification.
When you apply for a building permit, a PLO Certification is required by your Local Government Unit (LGU).
A customer will be notified of the status of his PLO certification application after 5 calendar days from the complete submission of requirements or after 3 calendar days after submission of revised requirement/s.
Your PLO Certification will be sent to you via email. A hard copy may also be requested and can be picked up at the Meralco Business Center where you applied.
You will receive regular email updates on the status of your application.
You will receive this notice if the clearance requirements are not complied with. You are given 30 calendar days to submit the revised designed plans. Else, your application is cancelled. Should you wish to re-apply, repeat Step 1.
- An application may be denied when it does not comply with the clearance requirements as stated in the law/EO. To know the specifics, you may refer to the DOE website.
- Failure to submit the requested revised design plan within the prescribed timeline (30 days) will also lead to the cancellation of your application.
You may coordinate with your architect/engineer for the necessary revision of the design plan or consult Meralco for engineering solutions to ensure compliance with AOPL Law.
You may re-apply as soon as requirements on revision of the design plan or remodeling of structure are complied with.
1-Phase & 3-Phase Service
Meralco facilities, such as transformers, banks, and wires, can be installed either overhead or underground. Overhead facilities are installed on poles and are owned by Meralco. On the other hand, underground facilities are installed inside conduits which are owned and prepared by the customer with the approval of Meralco.
Overhead is more cost-effective and is easier to access and maintain. Underground installations are concealed from public view and addresses aesthetic concerns. Some areas, however, (ASEANA, BGC, etc.) only allow underground installations.
Customers may also want to insist on underground installations. In these specific instances, customers are charged with the difference in cost versus the cheapest scheme.
Electrical Experts Certified By MERALCO (CBM)
Protective Line Covers or "Rubber Hoses" provide protection to customers’ personnel working in potentially hazardous proximity to Meralco’s high-voltage (34.5kV, 13.8kV, 13.2kV, and 6.24KW) power lines. These rubber hoses are rented and installed upon the request of the customer.
The list of requirements for a protective line cover are as follows:
- Valid identification documents
- Contact person with proper contact details
- Location of the primary lines where rubber hose will be installed
- Sketch of the location or pictures
- Purpose of rental
- Settlement of rental fee
Applications for protective line covers are processed in any of the Meralco business centers.
You may apply for a new electric service for business through the following Meralco channels:
- Online www.meralco.com.ph/apply-now
- Call Center Hotline 16210
- Business Centers (Click here for a list of the offices.)
- Relationship Managers* (Click here to select and contact your Relationship Manager.)
*Relationship Managers are assigned for Corporate Partner accounts.
Fees For A New Electric Service
Meralco ensures that the application of new electric service for business is fulfilled with professional quality, according to safety standards, and on-schedule with the following steps:
1.Submit the following requirements:
- Request Letter for Service or Accomplished Application Form (www.meralco.com.ph/apply-now)
- 1 Valid ID (for single proprietorship, click here for a list of accepted IDs), DTI Certificate (for non-corporations) or SEC Certificate (for corporations)
*For Representatives: Authorization Letter & Additional IDs are required.
- Tax Identifications Documents (e.g. BIR Certificate of Registration Form 2303, or click here for the complete list of accepted taxation documents)
- Electrical Plan or Electrical Load Requirement
- Occupancy Documents (e.g. Lease Agreement, or click here for a list of accepted occupancy documents.)
- Schedule for an on-site inspection. Meralco will conduct an on-site inspection on the availability of facilities and perform an assessment of the additional installation the business may require.
- Review and acceptance of contract. Meralco will present the contract for electric service, which details the following: a.) technical specifications, b.) commercial arrangements, and c.) costs for the installation of additional facilities, if applicable.
- Begin construction of service entrance and submit the Certificate of Final Electrical Inspection (CFEI). A duly-licensed electrician, contractor, or an electrical expert Certified by Meralco (CBM) is expected to be commissioned by the customer for a safe, technical-compliant, and hassle-free installation. Depending on the arrangement with the customers, these third-party service providers would also acquire the Certificate of Final Electrical Inspection (CFEI) from the City’s Building Administrator’s Office or City Engineering’s Office.
- Payment of service application charges and bill deposit. Service application charges includes the cash advance should there be additional facilities to be installed required by the business. Bill deposit is computed based on the electrical plan or electrical load requirement (click here for the bill deposit amount table). Both fees will be settled at any Meralco business centers.
- Construction of additional lines and facilities. This is an optional step for business that require the installation of additional facilities based on the electrical load requirement. Additional lines and facilities may include lineside wires, transformers, and poles.
- Service energization. Meralco will perform a final inspection before installation of meter and energization of facilities. It is required that the customer or a representative is available on-site during service energization.
Also, for a safe, technical-compliant, and hassle-free application for a new electric service for business purposes, you may avail the services of electrical experts Certified by Meralco (CBM). You may visit www.amc.org.ph for more information.
Flat and Metered Streetlights
You may apply for a new electric service for residential use through the following Meralco channels:
- Online www.meralco.com.ph/apply-now
- Call Center Hotline 16211
- Business Centers (Click here for a list of the offices.)
You may apply for a new electric service for residential use through the following Meralco channels:
- Online www.meralco.com.ph/apply-now
- Call Center Hotline 16211
- Business Centers (Click here for a list of the offices.)
How do I apply for a residential electric service?
Applying for a new electric service is fast, easy, and convenient with the following steps:
- Submit the following requirements:
- Accomplished Application Form (www.meralco.com.ph/apply-now)
- 1 Valid ID (Click here for a list of accepted IDs.)
*For Representatives: Authorization Letter & Additional IDs are required.
- Electrical Plan or Electrical Load Requirement
- Occupancy Documents (e.g. TCT, Click here for a list of occupancy documents.)
- Schedule for an on-site inspection. Meralco will conduct an on-site inspection of the availability of facilities and condition of the customer premises being applied for.
- Begin construction of your service entrance. Customer will acquire the meter socket from the nearest Meralco business center to be used in the installation of the service entrance. A duly-licensed electrician, contractor, or an electrical expert Certified by Meralco (CBM) is expected to construct the service entrance for a safe, technical-compliant, and hassle-free installation.
- Sign electric service contract, pay bill deposit, and submit Certificate of Final Electrical Inspection (CFEI) at the nearest Meralco business center.
- Electric Service Contract is signed by the customer.
- Bill Deposit is computed based on the electrical plan or electrical load requirement (Click here for the bill deposit amount table.)
- Certificate of Final Electrical Inspection (CFEI) is acquired at the City’s Building Administrator’s Office or City Engineering’s Office.
- Service energization. Meralco will perform a final inspection before installation of meter. It is required that the customer or a representative is available on-site during service energization.
Also, to ease your application for a new electric service for residential purposes, you may avail the services of electrical experts Certified by Meralco (CBM). You may visit www.amc.org.ph for more information.
Service Application General Categories:
There are 2 basic categories of service application, regardless if the request is sales or after-sales:
- Ordinary Service Application (OSA) – existing Meralco facilities are sufficient to address the customer power requirements. This only involves the installation of a service drop and meter after the customer has completed both documentary and technical requirements.
- Project-Covered Application (PCA) – involves the installation of additional Meralco facilities, such as poles, transformers, and lines, to provide the customer power requirements. This involves a design of facilities process, which both Meralco and customer should agree before starting with the construction.
The customer is not required to determine this category upon application. This will be Meralco’s responsibility following field inspection and will be presented to the customers as one of the findings.
Service Application Types according to Request:
- New Connection – for newly constructed houses, establishments, and commercial spaces.
- Modification of Service – for requests to update the current technical capacity and/or contractual agreements with Meralco, such as upgrading or downgrading of power capacity, relocation or remodel of facilities, and updates in contract holder details
- Re-Activation – for energization of an inactive service with an already terminated contract for electric service, which may be the result of customer termination request or meter removal due to arrears. Note that this is different from “reconnection” which involves an inactive service but still with an active contract with Meralco
- Termination – for requests to permanently disconnect the electric service, primarily due to move-out
You may click the link to go to the service application pages.
GMBD, Applied Load, & Contracted Capacity
Meralco ensures that applications for electric service are energized professionally, safely, and on time as agreed with the customer through the Agreed Target Energization Date form.
There are however several factors that affect energization timelines:
- Service Application Type and Design Complexity
In general, Ordinary Service Applications (OSA) or applications which only require the installation of service drop or meter are easier to complete than Project-Covered Applications (PCA) or applications which require to undergo a design process and installation of additional Meralco facilities, such as poles and transformers.
You may click this link for a discussion on service application types.
- Meralco Time and Customer Time
For safety, Meralco will only energize the application for electric service upon the customer’s completion of the necessary documentary and technical requirements. Based on the condition of the application, the customers may be required to submit additional documents, such as technical permits and right-of-way.
You may click this link for a full list of documentary and technical requirements.
Service Rate Classifications:
Service Rate is a way for Meralco to classify its customers and is used to properly bill your monthly consumption based on the approved rate schedule.
The different rate classification across the following customer types are as follows:
For Residential:
Residential – used for a single dwelling unit with at least 1 toilet & bath and a kitchen facility for the primary purpose of residence.
For Business:
General Service (GS) – commercial and industrial customers with a connected load of less than 40kw for general power, heating, and/or lighting.
- General Service A (GS-A) – any business premise whose contracted capacity does not exceed 5kw (e.g. bakery, salon, car wash, etc.)
- General Service B (GS-B) – any business premise whose contracted capacity is between 5kw and 39kw (e.g. restaurant, small commercial spaces, convenience stores, etc.)
General Power (GP) – commercial and industrial customers with a connected load above 40kw
You may click on the following link for a detailed discussion on bill components.
Meralco allows use of sub meters as long as it is installed at any point on the loadside wire typically after the Meralco meter. However, maintenance and billing of the sub-meter is not covered by the customer's contract with Meralco.
Meralco personnel are not allowed to install sub-meters. Customers are in charge of the purchase and installation of the sub-meters. The customer however may seek assistance from an electrical experts Certified by Meralco (CBM) for the proper installation of a sub-meter.
List of Accepted IDs
Temporary Service is provided to customers who will use the electricity during the construction phase of their residential or business premises. Typical loads are welding machines, power tools, and similar construction devices. A corresponding Installation and Removal (IR) Cost is required to be settled and is based on the facilities that will be installed and eventually retired.
Multi-Metering Set-up
A permanent service will be beneficial to the customer once construction has been completed, because the facilities and corresponding power requirement will be matched with the day-to-day loads of the residential or business customer. It will also ensure that the customer is billed according to the appropriate service rate and kilowatt demand.
Meralco only offers the following voltage levels:
- Secondary Voltage Levels: 230V, 460V, 400/230V
- Primary Voltage Levels: 20kV and 34.5kV
For residential services, the standard nominal voltage is 230V in accordance to the provisions in the Philippine Electrical Code (PEC)
Overhead and Underground Facilities
Unlike in the US which uses 110V for standard appliances, the standard voltage level for residential use in the Philippines is 230V according to the PEC. If you have appliances with 110V, an external transformer or Auto-Voltage Regulator (AVR) is required to be used to match Meralco's nominal voltage. Use of appropriate transformer devices would also ensure your safety and proper functioning of your device.
Protective Line Covers
The RA No. 11361 or the Anti-Obstruction of Power Lines (AOPL) Act was enacted in August 2019 to ensure that there is continuous transmission and distribution of electricity and for protection of integrity and reliability of power lines. Its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) was signed in February 2020.
The Anti-Obstruction of Power Lines (AOPL) Act authorizes the Power Line Operator (PLO) to issue a certificate ensuring compliance to minimum clearances of building structures to the power lines.
We advise you to consult your electrical contractor or electrical experts Certified by Meralco (CBM) to have a comprehensive discussion of this technical requirement.
Service Application Process For Business Customers
You may coordinate with your architect/engineer for the necessary revision of the design plan or consult Meralco for engineering solutions to ensure compliance with AOPL Law.
You may re-apply as soon as requirements on revision of the design plan or remodeling of structure are complied with.
Service Application Process For Residential Customers
You will receive this notice if the clearance requirements are not complied with. You are given 30 calendar days to submit the revised designed plans. Else, your application is cancelled. Should you wish to re-apply, repeat Step 1.
- An application may be denied when it does not comply with the clearance requirements as stated in the law/EO. To know the specifics, you may refer to the DOE website.
- Failure to submit the requested revised design plan within the prescribed timeline (30 days) will also lead to the cancellation of your application.
Service Application Types
You will receive regular email updates on the status of your application.
Service Level Agreement For Service Application
Your PLO Certification will be sent to you via email. A hard copy may also be requested and can be picked up at the Meralco Business Center where you applied.
Service Rate Classifications
A customer will be notified of the status of his PLO certification application after 5 calendar days from the complete submission of requirements or after 3 calendar days after submission of revised requirement/s.
Sub-meter Requests
When you apply for a building permit, a PLO Certification is required by your Local Government Unit (LGU).
Temporary And Permanent Services
Constituted as the land beneath, the air spaces surrounding, and the area traversed by power lines, which shall be kept clear and free from any power line obstructions, dangerous structures, hazardous activities and improvements and other similar circumstances in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
All residential and non-residential property owners or authorized representatives applying for Building Permit are required to apply for and secure a PLO Certification.
Voltage Requirements
PLO refers to generation companies, the transmission network owner and its concessionaire, the DUs, other distribution entities, and other entities having ownership and/or responsibility for the operation and maintenance of power lines.
The PLO Certification is a Local Government Unit (LGU) requirement prior to issuance of the Building Permit. It is issued by a PLO if a construction or maintenance activity does not enter/affect the Power Line Corridor (PLC) in accordance with Annex A (Discusses and illustrates the required safety clearances for overhead lines which define the PLC) and Table B (PLC Clearances for Non-Hazardous Rigid Structures) of the IRR. This PLO Certification shall be presented/submitted by the building owner/applicant along with the application for a building permit to the building official of the concerned LGU.
Developers may opt for a multi-metering per floor setup if the building is at least 30 floors or with at least 300 units. This scheme involves multiple locations of the Meralco meters or meter centers for a certain building or residential premises. The meter centers for this installation may be located in each floor, serving the units in that level. Customers would consider this setup as more cost-effective because of cable length considerations compared to having all meters in a single location.
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