Manila Electric Company (Meralco) reminded the public to observe electrical safety as New Year celebrations draw near, warning that careless use of fireworks and overloaded electrical connections could lead to accidents and power interruptions.
In a statement issued on December 29, Meralco said its crews and personnel will be on round-the-clock duty, including on New Year’s Day, to ensure uninterrupted service for its more than eight million customers. The company advised people to avoid lighting fireworks and firecrackers near power lines, poles, and transformers, as these can cause outages and pose safety risks.
Meralco also urged households to keep party items such as balloons and poppers away from electrical facilities, have fire extinguishers ready, and avoid overloading outlets or using multiple extension cords plugged into one another. Customers were further reminded to unplug Christmas lights and appliances when not in use or before leaving their homes to reduce the risk of fire.
While Meralco Business Centers will be closed from December 31 to January 1, customers may report power outages and other concerns through the company’s official social media accounts, by texting 0920-9716211 or 0917-5516211, or by calling the Meralco Hotline at 16211.
