“As a 24–hour service company, we are ready to respond to any trouble that may affect our facilities,” Meralco Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga said.

Zaldarriaga also advised the public to observe safety measures when using electrical devices and appliances in case of flooding.

• Ensure that the main electrical power switch or circuit breaker is off. Be sure to be dry when being in contact with any electrical facility.
• Unplug appliances from wall sockets. Turn off permanently connected equipment and unscrew all light bulbs if possible.
• Remove mud and dirt from service equipment or main circuit breaker/fuse and its enclosure using rubber gloves and rubber-soled shoes.
• Make sure that all electrical wires, connectors, and other wiring devices are completely dry.
• When all electrical wires and accessories have dried and are clean, the wiring system of all appliances must be checked by a licensed electrician. Do not turn on flood-damaged electrical appliances.

Zaldarriaga also encouraged the public to keep all communication channels open and ready, and to charge mobile phones, laptops, radios, and other communication devices. Customers should tune in to public service radio stations in case of power interruptions.

To report power outages and other concerns, customers may reach Meralco through its official social media pages on Facebook (www.facebook.com/meralco) and Twitter (@meralco). They may also text their concerns to 0920-9716211 and 0917-5516211 or contact the Meralco Hotline at 16211 and 8631-1111.#

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The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) said on Tuesday that it is again suspending disconnection activities in the Province of Laguna beginning August 1 to 15 and the National Capital Region (NCR) from August 6 to 20, 2021. The announcement came after the Government placed NCR on ECQ from August 6 to 20 and the Province of Laguna on MECQ from August 1 to 15.

The rest of Meralco’s franchise area remains under GCQ with Heightened Restrictions particularly Bulacan, Cavite, the Province of Rizal and Lucena City from August 1 to 15, while Batangas and Quezon Province remain to be under GCQ for the month of August.

“Given the current situation, we continue to take into consideration the challenges our customers are facing amid these difficult times. Thus, we will again suspend all disconnection activities in NCR and Laguna to help ease the burden of our customers with the needed relief and additional time to settle their bills,” Ferdinand O. Geluz, Meralco FVP and Chief Commercial Officer, said.

He added, “We encourage customers, particularly those with concerns with their previous bills, to reach out, so we can discuss and help clarify their concerns and to even come up with payment terms, if really needed. We also have several platforms by which you can reach us. We hope customers will also take advantage of this period to avoid the inconvenience of having to queue long lines once the ECQ is again lifted.”

For customers in areas under GCQ, Geluz assured that Meralco will continue to be very considerate during this period and vowed to assist customers with their concerns.

Meralco reiterated that it will continue vital operations such as meter reading, following the order of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), and will also continue to work round the clock to serve its customers.

“Meralco business operations, including meter reading and bill delivery activities, will continue throughout the ECQ. Our continued operations will ensure that actual consumption for the month will be billed accordingly. But rest assured there will be strict implementation of health protocols in order to safeguard the health and safety of both customers and our personnel,” Geluz said.

The ERC, in an advisory last year, encouraged customers who can pay to settle their bills within the original due date “to help manage the cash flow in the energy supply chain and ensure the continuous supply of electricity.”