THE DANGLING conversation continues as we talk more about what “Nong Moroy” a.k.a. MORE Power has been up to these days besides providing “I Am Iloilo City” with steady, reliable and affordable power supply.
There’s the excellent customer service/relations and corporate social responsibility which is not only the norm but has become the standard by which a power provider utility should be.
We have just concluded the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections and MORE Power, the sole power distribution utility in Iloilo City, ensured uninterrupted electric power supply throughout the entire poll, and did so with a 100% success rate from start to finish.
So, what’s “Nong Moroy” been up to these days?
Recently, MORE Power president/CEO Roel Castro visited the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) on General Luna Street expressing gratitude for the role the police played in the campaign against power pilferage.
The campaign has reduced systems loss from 30 percent to only five percent, helping lower the electricity rates. As a result, the distribution utility’s residential rate for the billing cycle October 18 to November 14, 2023 decreased to P10.55 per kilowatt-hour.
This is an early Christmas as “Santa Claus”…I mean MORE Power president Roel Castro…came bearing gifts/donation – three brand-new air-conditioning units which would keep the ICPO more conducive for efficiency, productivity and comfortable.
It was a sincere token thanking the ICPO for fighting power pilferage which could be harmful and life-threatening. It is a fact that when pilferers tamper with electricity meters and leave wires or connections exposed or loose, it can cause overheating and fire.
Take note that Republic Act 7832 prohibits and penalizes the stealing and reselling of electricity and line parts. The penalty of prison mayor or a fine ranging from P10,000 to P20,000 or both, at the discretion of the court, may be imposed on the guilty pilferers.
Moving on, MORE Power has finally started relocating underground its power lines in that one-kilometer stretch along J.M. Basa Street from the Arroyo rotunda to Plaza Libertad, costing around P100 million in the next eight months.
Meaning, the above-ground power lines will be buried in underground ducts. The drilling phase is now on going.
According to MORE Power VP for Network Development and Operations Group Bailey del Castillo, the project would have minimal impact on the flow of vehicular traffic.
MORE Power president/CEO Roel Castro also said the project is in line with the city government’s commitment to implement the projects aimed at preserving local culture and heritage.
“I Am Iloilo City” Mayor Jerry Treñas said the project would significantly reduce the risk of accidents caused by inclement weather, fallen trees, or other unforeseen circumstances, and “it will foster economic growth, attract new investments, and create a favorable environment for businesses to thrive.”
Meanwhile in Bacolod City, Regional Trial Court Branch 42 dismissed a civil case filed by Negros Consumers Watch (NCW) and Convenors of Anti-Ceneco JVA Coalition (ACJC) questioning the plebiscite-approved joint venture agreement (JVA) between Central Negros Electric Cooperative (Ceneco) and Negros Electric Power Corp (NEPC).
Presiding Judge Maria Lina Gonzaga’s ground for dismissal – “lack of jurisdiction” – gives the petitioners an excuse not to elevate their case to the National Electrification Administration (NEA).
By this time the so-called petitioners should realize that they are not offering a viable alternative. It is only Negros Electric Power Corp (NEPC), the sister company of the very successful MORE Power of Iloilo City, that is capable of rescuing the floundering Ceneco from irreversible bankruptcy and saving Bacolod City from the inevitable darkness.
Finally, the citizens of Iloilo province will soon avail themselves of the much anticipated reliable and affordable power supply promised by MORE Power with the passage of Republic Act 11918 expanding the corporation’s service areas.
According to MORE Power president/CEO Roel Castro, they’re just waiting for the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) to officially commence operations in the expanded area. An approved CPCN is the green light needed./PN
