ILOILO City – MORE Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power) is proud to announce the successful energization of the rehabilitated 25/30 MVA Molo Substation, a key milestone in its mission to modernize Iloilo City’s power infrastructure.
The rehabilitation began on July 5, 2023, with EEI Power Corporation as the contractor. The project involved replacing outdated and unreliable equipment, including the control system, switchyard, and other important devices, to make the substation more reliable and automated.
“The Molo Substation had been in operation for 23 years without proper maintenance, leading to frequent equipment malfunctions,” Roel Z. Castro, President and CEO of MORE Power, highlighted.
“This upgrade is essential not only to meet the increasing demand for electricity due to population growth and commercial expansion in the area but also extends the life of the transformer and improves its performance using advanced technology to ensure stable and efficient power distribution,” Castro emphasized.
While the Molo Substation was being upgraded, a 30/36 MVA Mobile Substation provided temporary power to keep the electricity supply running smoothly.
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.
“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,” Armil Logarta, Project Management and Development head said.
“As a result, any power interruption will be minimized, greatly enhancing service reliability for both residential and 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,” he added.
With the Molo Substation fully operational, the mobile substation will now be relocated to the Mandurriao Substation to temporarily provide power while it undergoes its own rehabilitation starting this October. MORE Power’s commitment to upgrading Iloilo City’s power infrastructure continues, ensuring a stable, reliable, and future-ready electricity supply for the entire community.
It is important to reflect on MORE Power’s five-year development plan, which aims to significantly enhance the electricity distribution system in Iloilo City. As part of this initiative, a substantial load from the Molo Substation will be transferred to the new Arevalo Substation early next year. “This transition is a vital step in our mission to enhance power distribution throughout Iloilo City, ultimately improving the daily lives and business operations of our consumers,” Castro stated.
This upgrade will also allow MORE Power to better manage electricity distribution, responding quickly to changes in demand. Overall, the upgraded Molo Substation strengthens MORE Power’s commitment to providing reliable service and supporting the city’s growth and its residents’ quality of life./PN
