ILOILO City – Consumer groups from Iloilo’s 1st District are pushing for the expansion of MORE Electric and Power Corporation’s (MORE Power) services to their area, citing the need for improved service quality and more affordable electricity rates.
The Movement of Iloilo Consumers for Better Electricity has called on local government officials and Cong. Janette Garin to explore legal avenues to include their district within the franchise coverage of MORE Power.
The group noted that similar calls for expansion were made nearly three years ago by consumers, local governments, and legislators in Iloilo’s 2nd and 4th districts.
Currently, Republic Act 11918, enacted in August 2022, authorizes MORE Power to operate in 15 municipalities and one city in Iloilo Province.
However, the 1st District, which remains under the jurisdiction of Iloilo Electric Cooperative I (ILECO 1), is not included from this coverage.
Advocates argued that MORE Power’s lower residential rates and generation charges make it a more appealing option for consumers.
Their push gained momentum following a recent Supreme Court decision that upheld the constitutionality of MORE Power’s franchise expansion, ruling that the existing franchises of Iloilo Electric Cooperatives (ILECOs) are non-exclusive.
“We, the consumers of District 1, urge our local officials and Congresswoman Garin to consider all legal avenues to ensure that our district also benefits from better service and lower rates,” a spokesperson for the association said.
In August 2024, the Pavia municipal council also expressed support for MORE Power’s expansion, unanimously approving a resolution urging the company to begin operations in their town.
The resolution, passed on August 14, 2024, encouraged MORE Power to consider a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) with ILECO 1, similar to its partnership with Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO) under the Negros Electric and Power Corporation franchise.
MORE Power’s collaboration with CENECO has helped improve power supply and distribution to over 210,000 customers in Bacolod City, Silay City, and other areas in Negros Island.
Proponents believe a similar arrangement with ILECO 1 could benefit residents of Iloilo’s First District.
The resolution emphasized that MORE Power’s rates are consistently lower than those of ILECO 1.
“The rate of MORE Power for the residential class has consistently been lower than that of ILECO 1 over the last 12 months, and the generation rate of MORE Power has also consistently been lower for the same period,” it stated.
In its landmark ruling on July 30, 2024, published on January 15, 2025, the Supreme Court affirmed the legality of MORE Power’s expanded franchise under Republic Act No. 11918.
The decision, penned by Associate Justice Rodil Zalameda, rejected petitions from ILECOs I, II, and III challenging the law.
The court clarified that public utilities must prioritize consumer interests, stressing that competition can drive better service and lower costs.
It also aligned the ruling with the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), which promotes competition in the electricity sector.
The SC emphasized that allowing MORE Power to operate in areas currently served by ILECOs — whose franchises expire in 2029, 2039, and 2053 — offers consumers an alternative provider, fostering competitive pricing and avoiding monopolies.
Congresswoman Garin and local officials have yet to issue a formal response to the proposal.
Meanwhile, the Movement of Iloilo Consumers for Better Electricity remains optimistic that their advocacy will pave the way for more efficient and affordable electricity services in District 1./PN