[UPDATED] Meralco's Storm Response Earns Praise

The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has emerged as a reassuring force amid the severe weather systems that continue to lash Luzon, mobilizing its workforce round-the-clock to restore power to thousands of homes and businesses affected by Typhoon Crising and the enhanced southwest monsoon rains.

With high-bed trucks and rescue boats deployed, Meralco teams’ power through flood-hit communities—not just to restore electricity, but to deliver help where it’s needed most. (Photo: Meralco)

From a peak of over 167,000 affected customers early this week, Meralco has steadily reduced service interruptions, with only 12,000 customers still awaiting power as of the morning of Wednesday, July 23.

[UPDATE: As of 4 p.m. today, affected customers, mostly in Cavite, Metro Manila and Bulacan and still due to flooding, are down to 2,790—less than 1% of Meralco's total customers.]

These remaining pockets, concentrated in Cavite, Metro Manila, and Bulacan, are also among the hardest hit by flooding, underscoring the physical and operational challenges faced by line crews working in submerged and hazardous conditions.

Yet Meralco’s crews have soldiered on—braving floods, working through the night, and following strict safety protocols to protect both personnel and the public.

“We ask our customers for patience and understanding as we prioritize safety during our restoration activities,” said Joe R. Zaldarriaga, Meralco Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications.

A Meralco crewman works under pouring rain and rising waters, determined to bring power back safely and swiftly. (Photo: Meralco)

“Rest assured, our teams are working non-stop to bring back power as soon as it is safe to do so.”

The power distributor’s swift and coordinated disaster response has drawn attention not only for its technical efficiency but for the human-centered approach it embodies.

Beyond restoring electricity, Meralco deployed high-bed trucks, motorized fiberglass boats, and launched relief operations through its social development arm, One Meralco Foundation, to assist displaced and distressed residents.

This is not just business continuity, it’s boots-on-the-ground commitment.

In a country where public utility performance is often under the microscope, Meralco’s efforts during Typhoon Crising are being viewed as a potential blueprint for how power utilities should respond in times of crisis.

The utility’s preemptive stance ahead of the approach of Tropical Depression Dante and Tropical Depression Emong, further highlights a culture of preparedness rather than mere reaction.

More than power restoration—Meralco’s social development arm launches relief efforts in storm-stricken areas. (Photo: One Meralco Foundation)

Zaldarriaga also underscored the importance of public cooperation, calling on customers to observe electrical safety measures during floods and reminding them to have mobile devices and radios charged to stay connected during outages.

Meralco's repeated safety advisories, ranging from unplugging appliances to calling in licensed electricians before switching power back on, reflect a keen understanding of both technical and grassroots realities.

For many young professionals and families, particularly those working from home or running small businesses dependent on uninterrupted electricity, the value of Meralco’s quick response cannot be overstated.

It’s not just about keeping the lights on. It’s about restoring a sense of normalcy and resilience in the face of back-to-back natural disasters.

As the country continues to face climate-related risks, Meralco’s power restoration campaign offers a compelling case for what proactive leadership, technology readiness, and public-private partnership can achieve.

More than just a utility, Meralco is proving to be a lifeline in times of crisis—lighting the way forward, one household at a time.