Meralco has prepared 150 generator sets in preparation for the mid-term elections in case of unexpected power interruptions on May 13.
The generator sets will provide basic lighting to polling and canvassing places, with around 300 responding crews that will be on duty 24/7 to ensure speedy response to any unexpected events.
Meralco also advised polling centers to bring back up lights as an extra precautionary measure.
To avoid tripping and power interruptions, the power distributor issued reminders for those who will be manning the voting areas to refrain from plugging in unnecessary appliances, as well as from using balloons, confetti, and party poppers.
Inspection of polling and canvassing centers has already been done, including the needed recommendations to the respective school and building administrators to address possible problems.
Meanwhile, the Department of Energy (DOE) proposed to Malacanang to announce May 14 as a holiday to ensure there will be enough power supply during the counting of votes.
DOE Assistant Secretary Redentor E. Delola said that if consumers continue to consume the same capacity of power on May 14, a one-hour rotational brownout might occur.
House Committee on Energy Chairman Lord Allan Velasco fears that the result of the election might be jeopardized if rotational brownouts were to occur. To address this, he asked DOE to come up with solutions.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said that the Palace is open to hear DOE’s recommendation regarding the matter. Although, DOE still has to submit a proposal.
Panelo added that if brownouts were to happen, the police and the military are ready to secure the elections, particularly the “hot spot” areas.
“The Department of Interior and Local Government, along with the Department of National Defense assured that the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines are ready to secure the 2019 elections,” he was quoted in a The Summit Express report.