As Filipinos gear up to welcome 2026, the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has reminded the public to exercise caution around electrical facilities to prevent accidents and outages during New Year festivities.

Meralco, led by Manuel V. Pangilinan, said its crews and personnel will remain on duty 24/7, including New Year’s Day, to ensure uninterrupted service for over 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.

The utility company also emphasized several safety measures for households and communities:

Meralco advised households to keep fireworks and firecrackers away from power lines and transformers to prevent outages and accidents, maintain a safe distance between party items and electrical facilities such as balloons and party poppers, have a fire extinguisher on hand where flammable materials are present, avoid “octopus connections” and overloaded outlets which are common fire hazards, and unplug Christmas lights and appliances when not in use or before leaving the home.

Although Meralco Business Centers will be closed from December 31 to January 1, customers can report power outages or other concerns via the company’s official social media accounts on Facebook and X, by texting 0920-9716211 or 0917-5516211, or through the Meralco Hotline at 16211.

How are you planning to keep your celebrations safe while avoiding electrical hazards this New Year? Share your tips and experiences with the community.

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