PREVIOUSLY, I said power matters. I meant electricity and not political or physical, because without electricity, the whole world stands still with almost everyone’s state of mind affected.
And as far as “I Am Iloilo City” is concerned, electric power means MORE Electric and Power Corporation a.k.a. MORE Power, the city’s sole power distribution utility.
Oh, by the way, if you’ve noticed the wordplay in our title, you’re absolutely correct. It is intentional, pun intended.
Indeed, more power matters because that would mean we can watch Netflix with the aircon on; less means we’re in a brownout driving the usual suspects bonkers.
Meanwhile, Department of Energy secretary Raphael Lotilla visited MORE Power, and had an interesting chat with MORE Power’s president/chief executive officer Roel Castro. As expected, the Energy secretary was given a comprehensive update on the modernization of electric distribution facilities in Iloilo City and the current status of the power supply in Panay Island.
That visit also coincided with this year’s Philippine Electric Power Industry Forum (PEPIF) at the Iloilo Convention Center, “Powering a Sustainable and Secure Energy Future for the Country”.
Now on its second year, PEPIF focused on advancing the transition toward sustainable energy while ensuring energy security.
PEPIF aims to bring together key stakeholders in the Philippine electric power industry to discuss pressing issues and concerns and to promote synergy among stakeholders.
In that forum, MORE Power presented the final stage of its P1.8-billion modernization program i.e. the installation of new electric meters, replacement of electric poles, transformers, conductors and improvement/ upgrading of substation facilities.
According to Castro, “the program aims to provide Iloilo City a more reliable, safer and cheaper electricity supply than they got from the previous utility.”
On the customer service side, MORE Power won the hearts and minds of the Ilonggos with flair and elan, setting the standards of what a power distribution utility should be by actually refunding deposits to qualified customers.
MORE Power’s initiative to refund bill deposits to consumers who diligently pay their bills without incurring surcharges for at least 36 months continues to make strides in enhancing customer satisfaction and financial support.
The response from customers has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing surprise and gratitude upon receiving notification from MORE Power’s customer service representatives.
To date, MORE Power has disbursed a total of P1.5 million bill deposit refunds to 476 eligible customers. (PN 4/2/2024)
Moving on, the completion of NGCP’s 230KV CNP backbone project, according to Castro, “is a significant relief for us at MORE Power and the entire Panay Island.”
“Although the capacity is very good, there is a substantial relief for us. However, it is essential to consider whether ancillary services are necessary on the Island of Panay,” Castro emphasized during the simultaneous ceremonial energization at the NGCP Barotac Viejo Substation.
When asked about the possibility of another four-day blackout scenario, Castro said although there is a probability, it is now significantly reduced due to the CNP project.
“If before the energization of the CNP project there’s a 50% probability of another four-day blackout, now the probability is only 10-20%. However, this probability, can still occur. I would attribute it to the configuration or the identification of whether ancillary services are needed on the Island.”
With the energization of the CNP 230KV backbone project, Castro emphasized that the capacity of the submarine cable is now significantly expanded.
The completion of the CNP backbone project, means ancillary services/standby reserve of NGCP for the Visayas from Cebu may now augment Panay to prevent blackouts.
The CNP backbone is seen to improve the resilience of the Visayas grid by providing alternative transmission routes. This can help reduce the impact of disruptions such as typhoons or equipment failures.
The CNP backbone will enable more efficient exchange of power between Cebu, Negros, and Panay. It will help balance supply and demand in the region, leading to more stable electricity prices.
Well…well, it looks like we’re finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. “I Am Iloilo City” is coming out of the dark./PN
