ILOILO City – To dispel yet again the confusion as to which company is the legitimate power distributor here, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) announced in its official website and social media accounts the granting of a provisional Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) to MORE Electric and Power Corp. (MORE).
“It is clear that MORE (Power) is the bona fide and legitimate distribution utility in Iloilo City. As such, (it) is authorized to implement the last approved distribution charges for Iloilo consumers,” said ERC chief Agnes Devanadera.
The announcement could be read at this link: https://www.erc.gov.ph/ContentPage/61945
ERC reiterated that in its letter dated March 5, 2020 it issued a Provisional Authority (PA) to MORE Power, authorizing the latter to operate the electricity distribution network in Iloilo City.
“The grant of the PA to MORE (Power) has effectively revoked the provisional Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity that ERC granted to Panay Electric Co. (PECO), the former electric power franchisee in Iloilo City,” according to the ERC announcement.
PECO’s franchises expired on Jan. 19, 2019 yet.
The Commission issued the PA “to protect consumers’ interest by ensuring uninterrupted electric service…and prevent chaos and confusion…as to who is authorized to operate the distribution system in the area.”
MORE Power submitted to the ERC a Writ of Possession dated Feb. 27, 2020 issued by the Regional Trial Court, Branch 23 authorizing it to take possession of certain properties of PECO in connection with the latter’s business of electric power distribution.
Furthermore, it submitted to the ERC a copy of the Sheriff’s Return dated March 2, 2020 to inform the latter that the Writ of Possession has been duly served and fully implemented.
The ERC, through its technical personnel, conducted an ocular inspection on March 3 and 4 to verify the actual status of the distribution network and determine which company is actually operating the said system.
On the basis of the Inspection Report submitted by the Inspection Team, it was confirmed that MORE Power had gained full possession and control of five substations, had prepared for all other aspects related to electricity distribution, and had Power Supply Contracts in place with four power suppliers that would ensure continuous supply of electricity in the franchise area.
The ERC Inspection Team also verified MORE Power’s readiness and capability in the aspects of development, operation and maintenance of distribution systems.
President Rodrigo Duterte signed MORE Power’s franchise on Feb. 14, 2019.
The new power distributor committed to improve the power distribution system reliability and minimize franchise-wide outages.
It also assured consumers of lower power rates./PN
