Bayad has introduced a new payment service that allows any Meralco customers to settle disconnected utility accounts across more than 500 physical centres nationwide.

Any disconnected Meralco payment can now be processed through Bayad rather than requiring a direct visit to a utility branch.

This wider accessibility aims to ease congestion in utility offices and bring reconnection services closer to local communities.

The service has expanded to over 1000 physical touchpoints following a successful initial rollout.

Retail and financial partners now include Robinsons Supermarket and Robinsons Department Store alongside Raquel Pawnshop and Villarica Pawnshop.

As part of the MVP Group, the company is among the few authorised channels permitted to process transactions for cut-off accounts.

The physical network is supported by a growing digital ecosystem that serves over 31 million users.

Digital partners include electronic wallet and financial technology firms such as PalawanPay, Platapay and GoTyme.

Moving forward, the firm plans to onboard additional major partners, including leading banks and financial institutions.

Transactions made through these partner channels follow the same processing timeline as those made directly at utility branches.

Reconnection is typically completed within 24 hours or the next business day, depending on standard processing cycles.

Any applicable reconnection fees will appear in the next billing statement of the customer.

Featured image by Bayad Press Release.