The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) is nearing completion of its power restoration efforts, with only around 12,000 customers still without electricity as of this morning — a sharp drop from 167,000 the day before.

Most of the remaining affected customers are in Cavite, Metro Manila, and Bulacan, where floodwaters continue to hamper repair operations.

Meralco said round-the-clock work by its crews has significantly reduced the number of affected households since the onset of inclement weather earlier this week.

Still on full alert

The power distributor remains on full alert as tropical depression “Dante” and the southwest monsoon are expected to bring more heavy rains across its franchise areas.

“We remain vigilant as we monitor the current weather conditions that affect our franchise area. We remain fully committed to restoring electricity service to all impacted customers as safely and swiftly as possible,” Meralco vice president and head of Corporate Communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga said.

Practice caution

“Along with the Department of Energy, we also reiterate our call to continue practicing caution and follow electrical safety guidelines, especially in flood-affected areas,” he added.

Meralco said it has also deployed high-bed trucks and motorized fiberglass boats to support restoration and rescue efforts. Its social development arm has begun providing disaster relief assistance to heavily affected residents

Customers may report power outages and other concerns through Meralco’s official communication channels.