The upcoming election of local officials, at least across the franchise area of Manila Electric Co. or Meralco, the country's largest power distributor, will be free from power disruptions that could potentially impact the outcome of the electoral exercise.

In a press statement on Monday, the company reported that it has mobilized teams to respond to any electricity service concerns during the 30 October Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections.

"Meralco will be on alert 24/7 to respond to any distribution-related problems until the conclusion of the election process," said Meralco spokesperson and vice president for corporate communications Joe Zaldarriaga.

"Our crews will be deployed in strategic locations across the franchise area and will be ready to address any possible problems with the electricity service," he added.

Meralco has inspected the electrical facilities of close to 3,000 polling and canvassing centers, which include public schools and barangay halls, within its franchise area.

It is also conducting maintenance activities for its distribution facilities to ensure stable and reliable electricity service on election day.

The distribution utility has also trimmed trees, removed hazards that could obstruct power lines, and placed  on standby over 300 generator sets as well as nearly 800 flood lights in case of unexpected power interruptions.

Meralco also reminded the personnel who will be manning the polling and canvassing centers to refrain from plugging in unnecessary appliances to avoid "octopus" wiring, which could lead to overloading.

The public, meanwhile, is urged to refrain from using balloons, firecrackers, confetti, party poppers, and the like near overhead lines and facilities to avoid tripping and power interruptions.