Well, as you may observe, I often tackle small problems. Yeah, I know. I might as well be talking about the hype for Pacquiao vs. Bradley. I promise to save that story when the fight is over, but right now, I wanna talk about everyday problems that greatly affect our work and other activities.
I am sure ALL of us has experienced this since we are living in an energy-scarce country. It happens anytime and anywhere, and in any circumstances (even how ridiculous it may be). I am talking about blackouts, or brownouts as Filipinos call it.
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ARTICLE PROFILE
Article Title: "Meralco: Power plant problems cause 3-hour brownouts"
Author: LBG
Date issued: June 9, 2012
Article link: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/261264/news/metromanila/meralco-power-plant-problems-cause-3-hour-brownouts
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Love them or hate them, Meralco has created the biggest impact in our society's energy sect in recent memory. That is because they operate in a monopoly in which most of the decisions concerning energy are centered to their whims. I think it's not just electricity since modern technology has given us the opportunity to create cheaper and renewable energy. But with great power and innovation, also comes common carelessness.
First, I wanna share my story when I experienced the brownout. It was around 10:30 am when it struck at my place. At that time, I was in my room using the laptop doing my homework. I wasn't really mad because I was working on an online document with an auto-save feature. Some of my family members got pissed off though because it was a Saturday when their weekend is just starting. I then decided to do some advanced readings for my subjects.
An hour has passed (11:30 am), and still, no news has been received from the condo administration. I was starting to perspire from the intense heat. Honestly, it was one of the hottest days I have experienced within this year. I felt I need to continue my readings and use the internet in nearby air-conditioned areas. So I left my house, and went outside. Surprised to see almost all facilities around my block, are experiencing brownout too! Even neighboring streets nearby. I have contacted my friend who lives nearby; he said their condo is experiencing brownout too. After seeing I have nowhere else to go, I disappointingly went back to my house.
It's already 12:30 mid-noon, and still no power. My mother then told me that it was a planned brownout to save electricity. It was hard to believe since this has not happened before; there is no crisis' and it just doesn't make sense. She also told me that the power will go back in 1:30 (around 3 hours since the black-out had occurred).
When the power got back, my brothers and sisters rejoiced, and we went back to our normal lives.
Through this article, I later found out that it was due to "power deficiency" in one of Meralco's powerplants. Just my curious hypothesis here: Meralco tried to cover its story by telling the locals that it was all planned. The power of public relations? Yes, but it's pretty lame and agitating.
I don't know if it's just me, but I'm pretty sure all of us here demand better service. Sure, every once in a while, the company can make mistakes, but just like what I've said, we have modern technology to enhance our energy systems. I know, it may cost us more, but that's what moving on is all about; in the end, we'll be having the greater good.
It's not just in my area (in Tondo), but less developed areas also need equal quality service. It is important because that's what keep moving in out daily lives.
Underground power lines may not be applicable since we are under earthquake-prone areas. I'm sure Meralco can think of something to improve our way of living. After all, each of us are paying hundreds of thousands of pesos monthly...
Mission: FAILURE
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