Meralco assures readiness to respond to impact of Southwest monsoon

The Manila Electric Company has assured its customers that its personnel are ready to immediately respond to power outages that may result from the southwest monsoon currently being experienced in parts of its franchise area.

This comes as the state weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said the southwest monsoon was enhanced by Severe Tropical Storm Hanna (international name: Haikui) which is currently inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility, as well as Super Typhoon Saola and Tropical Storm Kirogi. The southwest monsoon is expected to bring gusty conditions over Bulacan, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, and the northern portion of Eastern Visayas until 1 September.

"As a 24–hour service company, we are ready to respond to these types of emergency. Our crews are on standby to attend to any trouble that may affect our facilities in areas that might be affected by the inclement weather," Meralco Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga said.

Zaldarriaga added that Meralco has put in place necessary measures to mitigate the possible impact of monsoon rains, including the issuance of advisories on appropriate precautionary measures.

The company has consistently requested billboard owners and operators to temporarily roll their billboards up to prevent these structures from being toppled by the strong winds.

Meralco also advised its customers to continue practicing electrical safety measures which are very important especially when there is flooding.

• Ensure that the main electrical power switch or circuit breaker is off. Be sure to be dry when being in contact with any electrical facility.

• Unplug appliances from wall sockets. Turn off permanently connected equipment and unscrew all light bulbs if possible.

• Remove mud and dirt from service equipment or main circuit breaker/fuse and its enclosure using rubber gloves and rubber-soled shoes.

• Make sure that all electrical wires, connectors, and other wiring devices are completely dry.

• When all electrical wires and accessories have dried and are clean, the wiring system of all appliances must be checked by a licensed electrician. Do not turn on flood-damaged electrical appliances.

Zaldarriaga also urged the public to keep all channels of communication open and ready and charge mobile phones, laptops, radios, and other communication gadgets. Customers may tune in to the different public service radio stations should power interruptions occur.

To report power outages and other concerns, customers may reach Meralco through its official social media pages on Facebook (www.facebook.com/meralco) and Twitter (@meralco). They may also text their concerns to 0920-9716211 and 0917-5516211 or contact the Meralco Hotline at 16211 and 8631-1111.