The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) said it has placed its personnel on standby to respond to possible power outages as Super Typhoon Inday (international name: Bavi) and the enhanced southwest monsoon bring heavy rains and strong winds to parts of its franchise area.

The distribution utility said it is closely monitoring weather updates after the state weather bureau warned of heavy rainfall and strong to gale-force winds that could affect areas within its service territory.

“As a 24-hour service company, our crews are ready to attend to any possible electricity service concern in areas that might be affected by the inclement weather,” Meralco Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga said.

According to the company, emergency response teams are on standby around the clock, while precautionary measures have been put in place to help minimize the impact of severe weather on electricity service.

Among these measures is the continued appeal to billboard owners and operators to secure their structures ahead of strong winds.

“Meralco has consistently requested billboard owners and operators to temporarily roll up their billboards to prevent these structures from being toppled by the strong winds,” Zaldarriaga said.

Meralco also reminded customers to observe electrical safety measures, particularly in flooded areas. These include switching off the main power supply before floodwaters enter homes, unplugging appliances, ensuring electrical equipment is completely dry before use, and having a licensed electrician inspect wiring and appliances exposed to flooding.

The company likewise advised the public to keep communication devices fully charged and monitor public service radio stations for updates should power interruptions occur.

Customers may report electricity service concerns through Meralco’s official Facebook and X accounts, via text, or through its 16211 hotline.

As stronger storms become more frequent, are Philippine power utilities sufficiently prepared to minimize outages and speed up power restoration during extreme weather events?

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