BY LUIS BUENAFLOR JR.
MORE Electric and Power Corporation allocated P60 million for the successful energization of the rehabilitated 25/30MVA Molo substation, marking a significant step in the company’s initiative to modernize “I Am Iloilo City’s” power infrastructure.
The project replaced outdated and unreliable equipment, including the control system, switchyard, and other important devices, to make the substation more reliable and automated.
The Molo Substation’s transformation includes a reconfigured in-out system, which significantly reduces the risk of outages, especially during peak demand. This system allows for flexibility, enabling power to be easily rerouted through the SCADA system if a transmission line segment encounters a fault.
According to Armil Logarta, Project Management and Development head, MORE Power’s SCADA implementation is notable as the first distribution utility (DU) in Panay and one of the few in the Philippines, setting a benchmark for modern power management.
As a result, power interruption will be minimized, greatly enhancing service reliability for both residential/commercial customers. The integration of this modern substation into Iloilo City’s power system also allows for smarter load management, ensuring that MORE Power can swiftly respond to fluctuations in demand.”
MORE Power president/chief executive officer Roel Castro highlighted, “This transition is a milestone and a vital step in our mission to enhance power distribution throughout Iloilo City, ultimately improving the daily lives and business operations of our consumers.”
Moving on, it appears that another Joint Venture Agreement a.k.a. JVA is in the offing, this time in Iloilo Province as the main ingredients are seemingly falling into place. Most importantly, the idea was not only floated around but suggested in an official document.
The dynamic duo of Pavia, Iloilo’s Sangguniang Bayan members Dan Fajardo and Pyt Trimañez recently handed Resolution No. 2024-140 to MORE Power, urging immediate expansion of operations in Pavia.
This resolution also explores the potential for a joint venture with Iloilo Electric Cooperative (ILECO), highlighting their community’s commitment to better energy solutions.
This initiative stems from three years of advocacy by local consumers and government, supported and strengthened by the passage of Republic Act 11918 last August 2022 which authorizes MORE Power to operate in Pavia and nearby municipalities.
And why not a Joint Venture Agreement between MORE Power and ILECO? The establishment of the Negros Electric and Power Corporation a.k.a. Negros Power through a joint venture with Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO) shows the potential for transformative change in electric service delivery, with significant investment aimed at modernizing infrastructure and enhancing customer service.
So why can’t ILECO, particularly ILECO1, do the same?
Take note that, ILECO 1 consumers have been vocal about their frustrations, citing issues like billing discrepancies, service interruptions, inadequate customer support, and outdated power distribution facilities. These challenges undermine consumer confidence contributing to a growing sense of dissatisfaction. CENECO’s decision to go into a joint venture shows a proactive approach to these problems, that ILECO 1 should seriously consider.
By entering into a joint venture with a capable partner, i.e. MORE Power, ILECO 1 could leverage significant financial/technical resources to improve its distribution system.
MORE Power has demonstrated a commitment to modernizing electricity services in Iloilo City, and a collaboration could amplify these efforts across ILECO 1’s coverage area.
The joint venture model has proven effective for CENECO, allowing it to engage in capital-intensive projects while maintaining local oversight. ILECO 1 could benefit similarly by sharing expertise and resources with MORE Power, ultimately providing a more reliable and efficient service to its members.
With rising demand for electricity and the increasing complexities of distribution, it is crucial for ILECO 1 to adapt and innovate. A joint venture with MORE Power would provide the necessary agility to implement cutting-edge technology/systems enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
The time is ripe for ILECO 1 to consider a similar path to that of CENECO. By pursuing a joint venture with a capable partner like MORE Power, ILECO 1 can not only tackle its existing challenges but also pave the way for a more resilient, efficient, and customer-focused electricity distribution system. (PN10/2/2024)
Finally, “careless whispers” says ILECO3 has a positive view towards a joint venture and is open for negotiations./PN
