MANILA – The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) on Monday said it has inspected electric facilities in nearly 3,000 polling and canvassing centers ahead of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) on Oct. 30.
In a statement, Meralco said its teams have already checked electric facilities in public schools and barangay halls within its franchise areas while also conducting maintenance activities for its distribution facilities to ensure stable and reliable power service during the election day.
“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 its franchise area and will be ready to address any possible problem on electricity service,” Meralco spokesperson and Vice President for Corporate Communications Joe Zaldarriaga said.
The distribution utility has 300 generator sets and nearly 800 flood lights on standby in case of unexpected power interruption. It also trimmed trees and removed hazards that could obstruct power lines.
Meralco crews are also on standby to respond to any electricity service concern on BSKE day.
Meralco advised personnel manning the 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,” it added. (PNA)