ILOILO City – Residents of Iloilo province are buzzing with anticipation, awaiting a reliable and affordable power supply promised by MORE Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power) after the passage of Republic Act 11918. This legislation expanded the corporation’s service areas, prompting the question: When will the expansion commence?
Where It Will Expand
The forthcoming service growth will encompass the city of Passi and 15 municipalities in the Iloilo province – Pavia, Santa Barbara, Alimodian, Leon, San Miguel, New Lucena, Zarraga, Leganes, Dumangas, Barotac Nuevo, Dingle, Dueñas, Banate, Anilao, and San Enrique.
The Backstory
In August 2021, Pavia Sangguniang Bayan member Daniel S. Fajardo II highlighted the significant role of affordable electricity in the lives of local residents and businesses.
Drawing a comparison, he mentioned neighboring Iloilo City’s reduced electricity rate by MORE Power from P10 per kilowatt hour to P6.45.
Such a reduction, Fajardo stressed, was a “tremendous relief, especially during the pandemic.”
Advocating for similar benefits, he said, “Proximity to Iloilo City mandates us to provide our stakeholders with cost-effective power, fostering business growth which, in turn, can boost investments, job opportunities, and tax revenues for municipalities like Pavia.”
Current Hurdles
MORE Power’s president and chief executive officer Roel Castro revealed that the company is awaiting the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) to officially commence operations in the expanded areas.
“The approval of the CPCN is the green light we need,” Castro explained.
As they navigate these bureaucratic channels, Castro seeks to reassure the public, emphasizing the corporation’s dedication to adhering to proper procedures before amplifying power services.
“Our goal is clear – to serve and bring joy to our consumers in Iloilo and the new service regions. We’re ready to roll once the CPCN is in our hands,” he added.
Pending the issuance of CPCN, the installation of posts and primary lines in three towns (Pavia, Santa Barbara, and San Miguel) is ongoing, according to Castro.
“We’ve already constructed the infrastructure, especially the primary lines, all the way to what I believe is the entrance of San Miguel. In Pavia, preparations are underway so that once the CPCN is approved or granted, only the construction of secondary lines will remain, which won’t take long,” he added.
Iloilo 2nd District’s Cong. Michael Gorriceta shared that he’s done his part, having sponsored House Bill 10306 which extends MORE Power’s franchise area.
His message to the public: “Wait and see. Let’s patiently anticipate the resolution of pending appeals and the ERC’s green light for MORE Power’s expansion.”/PN
