Meralco spokesperson Joe Zaldarriaga said it also takes time to repair certain facilities, such as toppled poles, downed wires, and damaged transformers.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 13) — Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi on Friday said power distributor Meralco is targeting to restore electricity in its franchise area within two days.
“Rest assured, our line crews will continue with the restoration works,” Zaldarriaga said in a statement. We appeal for everyone’s continuous understanding and patience, as our crews work to bring back power service at the soonest possible time.”
“Dito sa Metro Manila, ang franchise area ng Meralco, kasama na ang Batangas, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, ang target date ma-restore ang power ay November 15,” he said in a media briefing.
[Translation: The target date to restore power in Meralco’s franchise area — Metro Manila, Batangas, Bulacan, Cavite, and Laguna — is by November 15.]
A total of 453,349 households in Meralco’s franchise area are still without power as of 11 a.m., several hours after Typhoon Ulysses battered Luzon. Over 3.8 million customers were hit by power outages starting Wednesday night to Thursday afternoon.
Cusi said Meralco’s linemen are working to quickly restore services, but he appealed for understanding that those whose homes are still submerged in floodwater may have to wait a little longer.
“Doon sa mga baha, pagpasensyahan ninyo at talagang kailangan natin na i-consider ang safety ng lahat, including the linemen,” the official said.
[Translation: In areas still flooded, please be patient. We need to consider the safety of everyone, including the linemen.]
Typhoon Ulysses left at least 14 people dead, according to Malacañang. The Armed Forces of the Philippines pegged the death toll at 39.
