MANILA Electric Co. (Meralco) has placed its crews on round-the-clock standby to ensure reliable electricity supply during the Philippines’ hosting of the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits.
In a statement on Tuesday, the power distributor said it inspected key summit venues in Pasay, Manila and Makati to ensure that critical facilities within its franchise area are in good condition and to minimize the risk of power disruptions during the high-level regional gathering.
The inspections were conducted in coordination with the Department of Energy’s Task Force on Energy Resiliency, the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines, and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency.
Meralco Senior Vice-President and Head of Networks Froilan J. Savet said the company completed facility inspections, secured the necessary personnel clearances and strategically positioned standby crews and equipment ahead of the summit.
“These measures will allow us to respond promptly to any power-related concerns and support the reliable operation of facilities within our service area during the event,” he said.
Meralco said it was working closely with government agencies and industry partners to help ensure uninterrupted power service throughout the summit.
Mr. Savet said the company’s preparations reflected its commitment to supporting national events and initiatives.
“Supporting this important regional event reflects Meralco’s commitment to nation-building. We stand ready to help ensure the safe and successful conduct of the summit as well as a productive experience for all its delegates and participants,” he said.
Meralco served 8.4 million customers as of the end of September, up 2% from 8.2 million a year earlier.
Meralco’s controlling shareholder, Beacon Electric Asset Holdings, Inc., is partly owned by PLDT Inc. Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has an interest in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera