Meralco assures no service interruption during Lenten break

Filipinos will be taking a break from their usual grind during the Lenten season, but for servicing power utilities like Manila Electric Company (Meralco), they are promising “uninterrupted service” even during this week-long hiatus.

Meralco said it stands ready to extend service round-theclock even “during the dead days” of the Holy Week, to ensure end-users of convenient and pleasing vacation.

“Meralco personnel will be on standby to respond to any contingency or unexpected power interruptions,” Meralco head of public information office Joe Zaldarriaga has noted.

The utility firm similarly announced that its regular maintenance and upgrading of facilities will be “carried out despite the holidays.”

Beyond the power utilityanchored provision of service, Meralco also called on consumers to do their share in guaranteeing the safe use of electrical appliances as well as doing their share on the sphere of energy efficiency and conservation measures.

As noted by Zaldarriaga, “simple but crucial efforts, such as turning off or unplugging appliances not in use can help in avoiding overheating and wasting energy consumption.”

He said other tips could include “keeping combustible materials away from outdoor lighting and other sources of heat, and using only light bulbs of specified wattage.”

For families trooping to the provinces or overseas, Meralco reminded that before leaving their homes, they can record electricity consumption “to monitor appliances left turned on, such as security lights and refrigerator.”

The utility firm added that “when leaving home for a short vacation, it is also advisable to adjust the thermostat of refrigerators to slightly warmer setting.”

And for extended trips, the prudent tip given by Meralco is to “turn off and empty the refrigerator, and keep its door open to prevent growth of molds.”