Prior to Steve Jobs’ introducing the first iPod at a low key event in 2001, no one new they needed to compete against something like the iPod. It didn’t exist.
If Steve Jobs were Chairman of your utility, do you think this article would reflect his thinking? Let me pull out a just a few of the quotes:
Mileyno was the kind of typhoon that wreaks havoc on Metro Manila every 25 years or so.
Surely, you cannot expect Meralco to keep on the payroll an extra emergency crew that will be needed only every 25 years.
When a typhoon like Milenyo hits, Meralco and PLDT cannot just recruit extra personnel from off the streets. Electrical and telephone linemen are skilled technicians who take a lot of time to train.
The distribution lines of Meralco and PLDT, or any other utility firm in any part of the country, are not strung up to stand 200-km winds. If they were, your light and phone bills would ruin your monthly budget.
I remember a long time ago, it was suggested that the distribution lines should be built underground, as in New York City. The idea never flew because many parts of Metro Manila are below sea level. Also the tremendous expense would wind up in your light and phone bills.
The next time a terrible typhoon passes by, do what every Bicolano does — stay home.
I don’t believe that would reflect his thinking.
He would fully understand that:
- We, your electricity customers, are not idiots.
- We DO, however, expect to not have to endure the kinds of disruptions in our lives that we experienced during Mileyno.
- We DO have billions of pesos to spend every month – we’re already doing that on your existing product.
- HE is the one with a product delivery problem that needs re-thinking.
and be innovating a way out of this box.