The Manila Electric Company is all ready for the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections, its crews on standby to respond to any electricity service concern for the 30 October polls.

Meralco has inspected the electric facilities of close to 3,000 polling and canvassing centers, including public schools and barangay halls, within its franchise area. It also conducts 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 can obstruct power lines and prepared over 300 generator sets and nearly 800 flood lights on standby in case of an unexpected power interruption.

"Meralco will be on alert 24/7 to respond to any distribution-related problem until the conclusion of the election process. Our crews will be deployed in strategic locations across our franchise area, ready to address any possible problem on electricity service," Meralco spokesperson and vice president for Corporate Communications Joe Zaldarriaga said.

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

For power-related concerns or inquiries on election day, Meralco advised the public to contact its 24/7 hotline 16211, through its social media accounts on Facebook (www.facebook.com/meralco), or X (formerly Twitter) via @meralco.