ILOILO City – In a significant advancement for urban electric power distribution, MORE Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power) has successfully connected its first customer to the Underground Distribution System (UDS) in Iloilo City.
The historic connection was made at approximately 2 p.m. on October 26, 2024, with the Intensity Fitness Gym, located on JM Basa Street, becoming the first recipient of this innovative energy solution.
The connection involved a series of checks and tests to ensure the system was functioning correctly and safely.
According to MORE Power engineers, no irregularities were reported from the customer following the energization, a promising indication of the system’s reliability.
Background of the project
The UDS project is a multi-phased undertaking launched in mid-2023.
MORE Power and the Iloilo City Government broke ground for the P96-million project that will transfer the overhead electrical lines of a 1-kilometer stretch of Iloilo City’s historic business district, including the heritage zone known as Calle Real – from the corner of Arroyo St. to Aldeguer St., Guanco St., Mapa St., Ortiz St., until Rizal/Zamora St. (Burgos St.), and Plaza Libertad.
MORE Power utilized horizontal directional drilling (HDD), a cutting-edge method for installing underground utilities and plumbing; the UDS project stands apart from traditional methods by eliminating the need for open trenches.
This approach ensured minimal disruptions in the downtown area, with construction activities conducted from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. to avoid traffic jams during the daytime.
“Today marks a historic milestone not just for MORE Power but for the entire Iloilo City community. We are proud to see our vision for a modernized and resilient power distribution system becoming a reality. The successful connection of the Intensity Fitness Gym to our Underground Distribution System in Calle Real is just the beginning of continuing connections and energization of consumers in the area,” said Roel Z. Castro, President and CEO of MORE Power.
He added: “Investing in underground infrastructure is a testament to our commitment to innovation and sustainability. As we move forward, we will keep our customers informed and involved in the process, ensuring that our initiatives align with the community’s needs and aspirations.
For his part, Mayor Jerry P. Treñas said, “I am proud to announce that Iloilo City is the first in the Visayas to introduce LGU-DU initiated underground cabling — a testament to our commitment to modernization, safety, and beautification, especially in Calle Real. This pioneering project, led by MORE Electric and Power Corporation in collaboration with telcos and cable TV providers, is gradually transforming Iloilo City’s visual landscape. By moving overhead wires underground, we aim to eliminate the unsightly ‘spaghetti’ of tangled wires, particularly in areas like Calle Real and our heritage plazas.
“This effort goes beyond aesthetics; it reflects our goal of delivering improved, reliable, and efficient utility services to every Ilonggo family. With this underground distribution system, Iloilo City sets a new standard for urban development in the region. We envision a city where heritage, progress, and quality of life coexist harmoniously, and this project brings us closer to that vision,” Mayor Treñas added.
Meanwhile, Erwin Ancino, the manager of Intensity Fitness Gym, expressed satisfaction with the new system.
“Thank you, MORE Power. We are happy to be the first customer to benefit from the UDS. This is much better because our lines are safer. The system is reliable and efficient, and we are confident it will provide us with an uninterrupted power supply.”/PN
