As Filipinos prepare to welcome the New Year, the Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Company (Meralco) is reminding the public to prioritize electrical safety to help ensure a bright, safe, and accident-free celebration.
Meralco said its crews and personnel will remain on full alert 24/7, including on New Year’s Day, to ensure uninterrupted power supply and provide immediate assistance to its more than 8 million customers nationwide.
“We remind our customers to avoid lighting fireworks and firecrackers near electrical facilities to prevent untoward incidents. Rest assured that our crews and personnel are ready to provide any needed electrical service assistance as we welcome the New Year,” said Joe R. Zaldarriaga, Meralco vice president and head of corporate communications.
To help prevent electrical accidents and service interruptions, Meralco advised the public to observe the following safety practices:
- Avoid lighting fireworks near electrical facilities. Fireworks and firecrackers near poles, power lines, and transformers can cause outages and serious accidents.
- Keep party items away from power lines. Party poppers, balloons, and similar items should not be used near electrical facilities to prevent disruptions.
- Keep a fire extinguisher on standby. Firecrackers can ignite flammable materials, making preparedness essential.
- Avoid “octopus connections” and overloading. Plugging extension cords into one another and overloading outlets are common causes of electrical fires.
- Unplug Christmas lights and appliances when not in use. Switch off and unplug decorations and appliances, especially before leaving the house.
Meralco Business Centers will be closed from December 31 (New Year’s Eve) to January 1 (New Year’s Day). However, customers may report power outages and other concerns through Meralco’s official social media accounts on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), via text at 0920-9716211 or 0917-5516211, or by calling the Meralco Hotline at 16211.