INDEED, we are talking about “I Am Iloilo City’s” sole power provider, MORE Electric and Power Corporation a.k.a. MORE Power and how its investments have provided sparks that have powered the economy i.e. power for the people.
And we’ll start with the “hors d’ oeuvres” before the main course and definitely this will not only whet your appetite but put you in a good mood, too.
The average residential electricity rate for MORE Power this March is P10.4177 per kWh, representing a significant DECREASE of P0.7836 per kWh as compared to last month’s charges. This very much welcome reduction is primarily attributed to lower generation and transmission charges.
Of course, a key factor in achieving this decrease is maximizing energy procurement from the spot market, with WESM now accounting for 57.5% of the generation mix. This strategic approach allows MORE Power to provide electricity at more competitive rates while maintaining reliability.
This month’s lower rates offer much-needed financial relief to customers, making electricity more affordable for households across Iloilo City.
Moving on to the main course, five years ago, MORE Power set out to create a safer and more reliable power system by addressing unauthorized connections. As more homes and businesses have connected legally, communities now enjoy a more stable and secure electricity supply.
And because of that, costumer growth accelerated through legitimate connections, active costumers grew from 62,474 in 2020 to 105,053 in 2024.
A whooping P5 billion has been invested back into the economy from 2020 to 2024, helping businesses grow and livelihoods thrive.
With an annual household contribution of P1.75 billion, we see first-hand how reliable power fuels families, entrepreneurs, and dreams. And through it all, 2,200 jobs are created every year, providing opportunities for many.
Today, 36,368 users conveniently manage their bills through MORE PowerUP, and with 181 payment centers and 20 third party collection agents available settling payments has never been easier. Plus, with 99.69%-meter reading accuracy, you can trust that your billing is always fair and precise, this near perfect accuracy in meter reading is something that is somewhat alien to the previous power provider and only MORE Power has bragging rights.
It’s not often that a power provider utility feels empowered to serve their customers by providing the power to spark the economy as in the case of MORE Power, then again they are the epitome of what a power provider utility should be.
Meanwhile, MORE Power together with Iloilo City’s Environment and Natural Resources Office (City ENRO), conducted a mangrove planting event at Sunset Boulevard. A total of 120 volunteers, including MORE Power employees and the company’s Guardians of the Environment, participated in planting 600 mangrove saplings. This initiative supports coastal protection and environmental sustainability.
According to MORE Power’s VP for Marketing/Corporate Affairs, Ma. Cristina D. Cabalhin, this activity reaffirms the company’s commitment to sustainability.
“Mangroves offer crucial benefits like coastal protection, biodiversity conservation, and carbon sequestration. This initiative aligns with our 5th-anniversary celebration to establish five planting decks, each with 1,000 saplings. Today, we completed our first deck with 600 saplings, and we are committed to reaching our target”.
It is already a fact that MORE Power takes its Corporate Social Responsibility seriously and this effort reflects MORE Power’s dedication to sustainability and green initiatives, ensuring a greener future for Iloilo City. Additional environmental projects are planned to continue the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
Finally, another one for bragging rights; MORE Power is the first to plant mangroves at Sunset Boulevard since its opening last January, according to Susan Javellana, senior environmental management specialist at the City ENRO.
Well played, indeed./PN
