Feed Mill and Coconut Oil Manufacturer in Pavia, Iloilo Join MORE Power

PAVIA, ILOILO — Two major businesses in Pavia, Iloilo - Vitarich Corporation and Visayas Coco Development Incorporated, have recently chosen MORE Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power) as their electric distribution partner. Vitarich Corporation, a leading feed mill company, completed its migration to MORE Power on June 2, 2026. Meanwhile, Visayas Coco Development Incorporated, a coconut oil manufacturer, joined the distribution utility on July 8, 2026. The Vitarich migration ceremony was attended by company engineers and officials of the Local Government Unit of Pavia, alongside MORE Power Executive Chief Operating Officer Engr. Ronald Torres and Vice President for Marketing, Corporate Affairs and Customer Care Maricris Cabalhin.

For Visayas Coco Development Incorporated, Chief Operating Officer Christian Yu joined MORE Power officials during the company’s migration ceremony. “We are looking forward to a lifetime partnership with MORE Power. We want to make sure that we are getting the right service. Kung ano man ang program ni MORE Power for us, we are willing to support,” said Engr. Roy F. Almirante, Process Engineer of Vitarich Corporation. Almirante also commended the smooth transition, noting that the migration was completed ahead of schedule. “Very easy ang transition. We expected it to take around four hours, but they completed it in only two hours. And now, we are running on MORE Power,” he added. With dependable electricity crucial to continuous production, businesses such as Visayas Coco Development Incorporated expect to maximize operations following their transition to MORE Power. “I want to thank MORE Power for the service they have provided. Since we are an oil company, we need to produce oil daily, so there should be no interruption or downtime,” Yu said. “Previously, we encountered a lot of interruptions that would last a minimum of four hours, or even longer. That resulted in significant downtime and losses for our company. We also had difficulty contacting the previous provider, particularly in terms of response time,” he added. Yu encouraged other businesses considering the switch to choose a reliable power distribution partner. “To other companies that are thinking of migrating to MORE Power, if you want a more reliable source of power, make the switch,” he said. MORE Power’s expanded franchise, filed by 2nd District Representative Michael Gorriceta and 4th District Representative Braeden John Biron on September 20, 2021, aims to provide constituents with reliable and modern power distribution services. The successful migration of Vitarich Corporation and Visayas Coco Development Incorporated highlights MORE Power’s operational readiness to serve larger businesses, support the growing demand for investment, and provide consumers with greater choice in power distribution services.

Iloilo City Police Office Recognizes MORE Power Among Important Community Partners in 31st PCR Month Culmination

ILOILO CITY—The Iloilo City Police Office gathered its stakeholders, partners and police personnel as the city’s top cop recognized the agency’s outstanding police stations and community partners. Among its esteemed guests and speakers is MORE Electric and Power Corporation President and CEO Mr. Roel Z. Castro. In his message, Castro recognized the significant achievement of the PNP and its collaboration with its stakeholders which resulted in the steady decline of index and non-index crimes. According to Castro, both index and non-index crimes in Iloilo City declined between 2024 and 2025. Records from the Iloilo City Police Office show a 31% decline for index crimes and 10% for non-index crimes. “This may not happen if it is not because of the relationship that police officers have with their stakeholders. It is just fitting that the ceremony that we celebrated is the culmination of the Police Community Relations Month that really highlights the effectiveness of the programs that are still being implemented. And these are very effective,” says Castro.

Castro cited one of the best examples of proactive collaboration between the police and MORE Power as the campaign against illegal connections. During the initial phase of MORE Power’s 5-year development plan, MORE Power is in close coordination with the PNP in going through every village in Iloilo City. In fact, there are some barangays whose system loss reached a staggering 60%. This contributed to the 30% system’s loss overall when MORE Power assumed the operations. The most significant impact of police community relations and private sector collaboration is during the dialogue with the individuals who were caught tampering electrical connections. Not until MORE Power, the PNP, together with the barangay officials, identified the root cause of the massive pilferage in Iloilo City and the power company sought the help of the Iloilo City Government to lighten up requirements during application has there been a huge decline in the system's loss. From 30%, MORE Power consumers now enjoy a 3.83% system loss. Far from the cap set by Energy Regulatory Commission at 5.5% A feat that Castro attributes to the effective programs being implemented from before up until today. “From somebody who really felt the effect of the program of having this effective community involvement again, as shown by the numbers from 30% systems loss down to 3.83%. The programs help and cooperate with each other. From the side of our officers in uniform, let us understand why it is happening. Those learning should come from the affected of those victims, should come from the community, and as well as sa atin,” says Castro. "I'd like to congratulate the Iloilo City Police Office for a very remarkable outstanding performance for bringing down index crimes. With that, congratulations to Col. Parilla and to all the men and women of the police force,” he added. Police Colonel Wilbert B. Parilla, City Director, Iloilo City Police Office, thanked MORE Power and its partners for the effective collaboration to help secure a peaceful Ilonggo community.

“The success of every police-community relations program is a testament to the collective efforts of our police personnel and our community partners. This recognition reflects our shared commitment to building stronger partnerships founded on trust, accountability, and genuine public service. Together, we will continue to uphold our mission of keeping Iloilo City safe, peaceful, and resilient,” Police Colonel Parilla said. MORE Power reaffirms its commitment in working hand in hand with the Iloilo City Police Office to promote a safer community for Ilonggos while continuously delivering quality and reliable service to its consumers.

MORE POWER MAINTAINS HISTORIC LOW ELECTRICITY PRICE IN ILOILO DESPITE TAX-INCLUSIVE RATES

ILOILO CITY — Rising generation and transmission costs continue to push up power rates across the country, with distribution utilities affected whenever the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) places the Visayas under yellow or red alert. Manual load-shedding during these alerts, caused by supply shortfalls, has disrupted normal operations. Limited supply amid high demand has driven prices higher, forcing many distribution utilities and electric cooperatives to raise their rates. In June, MORE Power relied more on bilateral suppliers because prices in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) surged. Sixty-two percent of MORE Power’s supply came from bilateral contracts and 38 percent from WESM. Spot market prices climbed from ₱4.45/kWh to ₱10.30/kWh. Overall, the generation rate rose by ₱2.10/kWh, reaching ₱7.735/kWh. Meanwhile, MORE Power’s average distribution charge remains unchanged at ₱1.85/kWh and has been stable for more than three years. This June, MORE Power’s rate reached ₱13.91/kWh, up ₱2.04 from May. Historically, the said distribution utility has the lowest rates from January to May of 2026, tax-inclusive, while many other distribution utilities publish tax-exclusive rates. To avoid bill shock to consumers, the implementation of staggered payments to suppliers was postponed for the month of June. This will ensure that bills do not overlap in the coming months. It also means the increased electricity costs will go directly to the power suppliers, and no added cost will go to the distribution utility. NGCP reports a shortage of supply in the Visayas grid caused by outages at large coal-fired plants. On July 10, NGCP said 15 plants experienced forced outages while 11 others were operating at derated capacity, leaving about 1,031 MW unavailable. Transmission constraints also limit the flow of power from Luzon through the Leyte–Cebu interconnection, reducing the ability to support the Cebu–Negros–Panay grid. These facts indicate that MORE Power did NOT contribute to the increase in electricity prices this June. The company reiterated that all its electricity rates since beginning operations in Iloilo have been tax-inclusive, ensuring no hidden charges on consumer bills.

NEW TUBURAN STUDY CENTER BREAKS GROUND IN ILOILO

ILOILO CITY—Under the midday sun and hopeful clear blue skies, shovels pierced the ground as a significant step toward expanding educational opportunities in Iloilo City marked with the site blessing and groundbreaking ceremony of the New Tuburan Study Center, a project developed by Daguiao Foundation Inc.

On June 27, 2026, the ceremony was attended by Most Rev. Midyphil Billones, DD, Archbishop of Jaro; Governor Arthur Defensor Jr.; Mr. Roel Castro of MORE Power; Mr. Antonio Jon, President, Daguiao Foundation, Inc.; Engr. Rene Tan, Director, Tuburan Study Center, and various personalities. Located along General Luna Street, Barangay Villa Anita, the Tuburan Study Center is envisioned to become a multi-story learning facility designed to provide students with spaces to study, mentoring, reflection, and personal growth spiritually. More than just a building, Daguiao Foundation Inc. seeks an answer to the growing needs of students for environments that encourage discipline, focus, and values-centered spaces. This project reflects the broader reason of the Daguiao Foundation Inc., which has long supported educational and community-based initiatives since 1991 that uplift young men by being grounded both academically and through moral formation. Mr. Antonio Jon, President of Daguiao Foundation, Inc. shared that the foundation has remained consistent in its mission to empower the youth by providing a safe sanctuary where they can learn, grow, and strengthen their moral values. By investing in the potential of young people, the foundation helps shape future generations capable of building a better and more compassionate society. As the ceremonial shovel struck the ground and the time capsule buried underneath, the atmosphere carried both celebration and anticipation of the future. For most, the ceremony represented more than just a groundbreaking ceremony; it was laying a foundation for the future generations. This is set to be constructed in two years time under the project development of RBJR construction services. In a rapidly changing world, Daguiao Foundation Inc. believes that this Tuburan Study Center will stand as a reminder that investing in the youth remains one of the ways to build a better and morally conscious community.

MORE Power hopes Visayas grid supply normalizes soon

ILOILO CITY – The continuing thin power supply in the Visayas has affected electricity rates across distribution utilities in the region, prompting the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to place the grid under several yellow alerts since May. In Iloilo City, MORE Electric and Power Corporation said it is hoping that power supply in the Visayas Grid will return to normal as soon as possible so that electricity rates may also go down. A yellow alert means available supply is not enough to meet demand, which may lead distribution utilities to implement manual load dropping or rotational power interruptions. Based on the latest data, MORE Power recorded around 428,308.60 kWh in power losses from May 13 to June, affecting 177,727 consumers. NGCP said the tight supply situation in the Visayas was caused by the outage of three major coal-fired power plants: Units 1 and 2 of Aboitiz Power Therma Visayas Inc., which have a capacity of 169 MW each, and Panay Energy Development Corporation (PEDC) Unit 3, which has a capacity of 150 MW. In total, about 488 MW remains unavailable from these plants. As of June 23, NGCP data showed that 16 power plants were on forced outage, while 14 others were operating only at derated capacity. Altogether, 1,073 MW of power was unavailable. Aside from generation issues, transmission constraints have also limited the amount of power reaching the Visayas grid despite supply coming from Luzon. NGCP said the Leyte-Cebu interconnection has limited capacity to support the Cebu-Negros-Panay grid. "Nagapangabay kita nga tani earlier ang ila pagbalik sa grid para at least ma-stabilize man ang presyo sang kuryente diri sa aton sa Visayas Grid. Isa ini sa nakita naton nga big development kun tani para sa kaayuhan sang mga distribution utility kag mismo para sa mga konsumidor ilabi na nga ginapaabot ang El Niño ukon tuman kainit sang panahon nga mangin rason sa posible liwat nga pagtaas sang konsumo sang kuryente", says Raphael Dorilag, Manager of Energy Sourcing Department of MORE Power. The tight supply has also pushed prices higher in the electricity spot market or WESM. From ₱4.45 per kWh, prices climbed to ₱10.30 per kWh, while the generation rate rose by ₱2.10 per kWh to the current ₱7.735 per kWh. MORE Power said it continues to look for cheaper power sources for its consumers by buying supply from bilateral suppliers whenever these are more affordable than WESM prices. At present, 62% of its power supply is sourced through bilateral contracts, while 38% is purchased from WESM. MORE Power also set aside paying in staggered tranches to its suppliers to avoid bill shock for its consumers in the succeeding months. Wala sang pagbag-o sa presyo sang aton mga distribution charge sa MORE Power. Ginapabalo man naton nga inclusive na sang tax ang tanan naton nga rates rason nga transparent kita kag wala sang hidden charges sa mga bill nga galab-ot sa tagsa ka mga konsumidor”, says Dorilag. MORE Power likewise advised consumers to be more careful and responsible in their electricity use amid continuing challenges in power generation and transmission.

FIRST-EVER UNMANNED SUBSTATION IN THR REGION VI TO SERVE ILONGGOS

ILOILO CITY - MORE Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power), the sole electricity distributor in Iloilo City, has taken a bold step toward securing the region’s power future. This landmark initiative for the Western Visayas energy sector introduces the area’s first fully unmanned 30MVA substation. This historic milestone stems not from hasty planning but from years of intensive assessment and careful forecasting of consumer needs. The achievement represents a major advance in modernizing the region’s power infrastructure, underscoring MORE Power’s commitment to efficient, reliable, and innovative service for Ilonggo consumers. The facility is remotely controlled from MORE Power’s Control Center via an advanced Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. Fully automated, it is operated and managed entirely from the center, with real-time data delivering all essential information.

State-of-the-art design allows monitoring of load flow, voltage levels, and equipment conditions without on-site human supervision. Expanding SCADA systems and Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) forms a key part of MORE Power’s five-year development plan and grid modernization efforts.

In a statement, Engr. Wilmar Gonzaludo, PSPD Manager, attributed the success to “long and meticulous planning, plus a deep understanding of the system that Iloilo consumers need. ”It can be recalled that in 2020, during MORE Power’s launch, substations were nearly overloaded, frequently knocked out, and in poor condition, some were not even upgraded for 30 years. MORE Power promptly began repairs, addressing substations, distribution lines, aging poles, high systems loss, and rampant illegal connections. “In other places, SCADA and automation are already in use. Advanced technology exists, so why not leverage it, especially with MORE Power here to deliver the same high-quality services to consumers? ” said Engr. Mark Anthony Molano, Substation Projects Manager. Engr. Molano also emphasized strengthening the distribution system’s foundation to better serve consumers, particularly during peak demand. MORE Power assures tight security, with personnel still guarding the substations—vital installations amid surging electricity needs driven by Iloilo City and the province's economic growth.

MORE Power's electricity rate for May, DECREASED by P0.27/kWh

ILOILO CITY — MORE Electric and Power Corporation is passing on relief to Ilonggo consumers with a reduction in electricity rates for May, despite upward pressure on global commodity prices stemming from the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. The residential rate for May is ₱11.8710 per kWh, down from ₱12.14 per kWh in April. The commercial rate falls to ₱11.00 per kWh from ₱11.27 last month. The movement in retail rates is primarily attributed to a lower transmission charge, which declined to ₱0.26/kWh versus the previous month. The system loss charge was also trimmed by ₱0.027/kWh, reflecting the transmission adjustment; overall system loss improved from 5.37% to 5.20%. On the other hand, the generation charge rose by ₱0.05/kWh due to higher coal prices and increased freight costs associated with imports. Inflation (CPI) and foreign exchange fluctuations also pushed generation costs upward. Prices in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market likewise climbed to ₱4.47/kWh. Despite the uptick in generation costs, MORE Power managed to lower final consumer rates by sourcing cheaper power under bilateral contracts. “We strive to provide our consumers with the best electricity rates despite the challenges we are currently facing,” said Roel Z. Castro, President and CEO of MORE Power. “MORE Power remains steadfast in ensuring the welfare of Ilonggos by delivering quality and affordable electricity to every household and establishment. As the heat index rises this summer, consumers are encouraged to practice mindful electricity use, since greater appliance demand can lead to higher bills,” Mr. Castro added. The rate cut provides welcome respite as residents contend with rising prices for basic goods and services. MORE Power said the move reflects its ongoing efforts to ease financial burdens on families and businesses in Iloilo City. The company is monitoring price and supply conditions heading into June after the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) issued several yellow and red alerts, signaling potential supply shortages relative to demand. MORE Power reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining reliable service and affordable electricity for Ilonggos

Big Ilonggo Businesses Migrated to MORE Power in Q1 2026

Pavia, Iloilo – Malls, food chains, hotels, BPOs, publication offices, and even construction firms are among the diverse sectors now served by MORE Power, as the company continues to expand its reach. In the first quarter of 2026, MORE Power accommodated the migration of several major accounts seeking reliable service, cost efficiency, and customer-friendly support for their thriving operations.

The latest to make the migration is Waffle Time Inc., a prominent Ilonggo business franchise, for its commissary in Brgy. Pagsangaan, Pavia, Iloilo. The company successfully transferred its load to MORE Power as its primary power source. Just last month, Taytay sa Kauswagan (TSKI), a major finance firm and hotel operator, along with Gateway Hotel, completed their migration on March 27, 2026. TSKI CEO and President Mr. Peter Talbanban and Gateway Hotel Chief Operating Officer Mr. Wendell Hofanda led the migration ceremony. “The primary expectation is better service and lower costs, especially amid the current Middle East crisis. All expenses are rising, making this the ideal time to migrate to MORE Power and reduce our electricity bills. Our TSKI main office is here in Pavia and serves all branch needs. If we experience a brownout, it disrupts our entire digitalized system, so reliable power is crucial,” said Mr. Peter Talbanban, TSKI CEO and President. “I’d like to thank MORE Power for reaching out to us. We were surprised by their initiative, and we’re thrilled about this partnership, which promises lower electricity costs and superior service,” he added.

This migration underscores the trust these companies place in MORE Power to deliver long-term reliable electricity for their establishments. “This marks a win for consumers who seek better quality of electricity, fair pricing, and improved service. MORE Power’s values have always been centered on the welfare of its consumers. We have heard the clamor and understood the needs of the consumers—this is why we have expanded to the province of Iloilo. I am truly grateful for the trust of the consumers in Pavia, Iloilo”, said Mr. Roel Z. Castro, President and CEO of MORE Power. MORE Power launched operations in Iloilo Province this year after finalizing its facilities. This was enabled nearly five years ago on September 20, 2021, when 2nd District Representative Michael Gorriceta and 4th District Representative Braeden John Biron filed for the company’s franchise expansion to deliver modern, reliable power distribution to towns in their districts. The well-timed migration ceremony highlighted MORE Power’s readiness to support consumers’ needs for dependable, modern power distribution.

DOE Honors MORE Power and Negros Power for exemplary Compliance

Taguig City, April 24, 2026 – In a testament to operational excellence and unwavering commitment to transparency, the Department of Energy (DOE) awarded plaques of appreciation to MORE Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power) and Negros Electric and Power Corporation (Negros Power) for their timely and full compliance with critical reportorial requirements. The recognition highlights the two distribution utilities’ adherence to DOE Department Circular No. DC2023-03-0005. This circular provides supplemental policies for the systematic management of DOE reportorial requirements in the electric power industry, ensuring accurate data flow for participants - distribution utilities, for the year 2025. Plaques, signed by Undersecretary Rowena Cristina L. Guevarra, Ph.D., were presented at the Energy Center in Bonifacio Global City. It underscores compliance’s vital role amid rising power demand from industrialization, renewables, and climate risks, enabling better grid monitoring, outage prevention, and policy reforms. MORE Power serves Iloilo City and nearby areas in Iloilo, while Negros Power operates in Central Negros as the sole electric power distributor. Their efforts support DOE’s data-driven Visayas grid, which is critical post-El Niño and during electrification pushes. “Full compliance equips DOE with important insights that may contribute to accelerating projects like grid modernization and renewables rollout,” said Roel Z. Castro, President and CEO of both MORE Power and Negros Power. “Timely reporting helps streamline DOE approvals, cuts delays, and aids in advancing national electrification targets,” he added. As the Philippines aims for full household electrification by 2028 under DOE’s program, such compliance sets a standard for sector reliability.

Department of Energy Recognizes Proactive Policies of Iloilo City and MORE Power

Iloilo City – Energy Secretary Sharon Garin recently highlighted Iloilo City’s significant 14% increase in power demand in 2025, well ahead of the national average. According to Garin, this growth stems from programs led by Mayor Raisa Treñas in collaboration with MORE Electric and Power Corporation. She noted that it reflects progress not just in business but in every household, as consumers gain the capacity to purchase additional electrical appliances - a key driver of the city’s rising demand. Recently, the Department of Energy and Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) visited Iloilo City to promote the Expanded Lifeline Rate Program. However, the Iloilo City Government and MORE Power have implemented the original Lifeline Rate Program since its launch in July 2023, outpacing other cities. Today, Iloilo City has 6,310 Lifeline Program beneficiaries: 4,360 from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and the rest from indigent communities or marginalized residents. “I have to say ang mga policies sang LGU together sang MORE is one of the best ones in the country nga ginacopy ina namon ang programa diri sa Iloilo City,” says Sec. Garin. Under the Expanded program, 4Ps households consuming 50 kWh or less per month receive a 100% discount, with automatic enrollment. Beyond the Lifeline Rate Program, the ERC commended MORE Power’s Bill Deposit Refund initiative. To date, MORE Power has refunded P9.2 million in bill deposits to 1,421 consumer accounts that paid bills on time for 36 consecutive months. This follows the Magna Carta for Residential Electricity Consumers, which requires distribution utilities to refund deposits after such consistent payments. MORE Power proactively notifies eligible consumers via bills, text, email, and calls, encouraging them to visit the office for refunds by check or bill credit, rather than just wait for the consumers to apply. The ERC witnessed MORE Power’s Bill Deposit Refund program firsthand, prompting the agency to spotlight this Magna Carta provision, and encourage distribution utilities nationwide to deliver the same benefits to their eligible consumers.

Iloilo City Urban Farmers Harvest Over 200 Kilos of Vegetables in Harvest Festival with MORE Power

ILOILO CITY — More than 200 kilograms of fresh vegetables were harvested during the Harvest Festival in Barangay San Isidro, Jaro, Iloilo City, marking another successful collaboration between local farmers and private partners.

The activity was headed by the Iloilo City Agriculturist Office and Tacas San Isidro Farmers Association under the program of Mayor Raisa Treñas, in partnership with Iloilo City's sole electricity distributor MORE Power.

A total of 204.9 kilograms of assorted vegetables were gathered during the event, including string beans, radish, okra, corn, squash, watermelon, bananas, melon, tomatoes, and other crops.

Employees of MORE Power participated alongside members of the farmers’ association in harvesting the crops. The vegetables were then immediately transported to the company’s office, where they were sold to employees—demonstrating a direct farm-to-market approach.

In addition to the harvest, members of the Tacas San Isidro Farmers Association received 160 packs of seeds and 10 sacks of fertilizer from MORE Power, which will be used for their next planting cycle.

Harvest Festival is considered a community development initiative, as proceeds from the sale of the harvested vegetables are reinvested as capital for the next planting season, ensuring the sustainability of the project and continued support for local farmers.

“It has been the practice of MORE to assist our urban vegetable farmers by providing seed inputs. They have further elevated this support by helping organize the first-ever Iloilo City Farmers Congress. The latest activity was the Harvest Festival, where MORE employees actively participated in harvesting, purchasing, and helping sell the products—demonstrating a holistic approach from production to marketing. Thank you, Sir Roel. This yearly activity is even more significant now due to the rising fuel costs. MORE power to our urban farmers! ” said Inigo Garingalao, department head of the Iloilo City Agriculturist Office.

The initiative highlights MORE Power’s commitment not only to providing reliable electricity but also to foster community development and creating opportunities for local farmers across Iloilo City.

Senado Gin Review ang Franchise Application sang Power Utilities sang Primelectric

Pasay City – Nagtipon ang Senate Committee on Public Services nga ginapamunuan ni Senator Raffy Tulfo sang Marso 18, 2026 agud mag deliberate sa duha ka prankisa nga sakup sang kumpaniya sang Primelectric Holdings Inc. 

Dire ginpatpat ang franchise extension request para sa Bohol Light Company Incorporated kag ang franchise expansion para sa MORE Electric and Power Corporation. 

Ginpresenta ni Mr. Roel Z. Castro, President kag Chief Executive Officer sang duha ka mga utilities ang performance sang duha ka kumpaniya. Iya gindetalye ang operational improvements kag justification sa likod sang mga legislative requests.

MORE Power: Expansion Amid Strong Performance Metrics

Ang MORE Electric and Power Corporation nga nag-operate sa idalum sang legislative franchise sa Iloilo City sa sulod sang 6 ka tuig ang nagatinguha nga mas palaparon pa gid ang coverage area sini. 

Ginalakipan sang proposal ang pito ka mga munisipalidad sa First District sang Iloilo Province nga ginsponsoran ni Congresswoman Janet Garin bangud sa paghingyo sang mga pumuluyo. Kun matigayon, mangin kaupod sini ang segundo kag kwarto distrito nga nauna nga nangin kabahin sa expanded franchise sang MORE Power.

Ginhighlight ni Mr. Castro ang mga makabuluhan nga operational improvement sang MORE Power sumugod nga nag operate ang power company sa Iloilo City.

Natigayon nga mapanubo ang system loss humalin sa 28% sa 5% na gid lamang kag ginpadamu pa gid ang customer base sini gikan sa 62,000 tubtob 107,000 kag ginpanubuan ang System Average Interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI) kag ang System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) sang kapin 90%.

Nagpabutyag man si Castro nga ang MORE Electric, Negros Power kag Bohol Light nga lunsay ginamanage sang Primelectric Holdings ang may pinakamanubo nga electricity rates sa Visayas.

Nakitaan naman sang mga government agencies sang compliant assessment ang duha ka mga utilities. 

Suno sa Department of Energy (DOE), organisado ang reportorial kag iban nga requirements apang may dugang pa nga probisyon para sa mga regulatory layers.

Ginkumpirma man sang Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) ang performance, system reliability, system loss kag power quality standards sang power company. 

Ang Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) gin verify ang regular tax filing kag mga balayran patimaan nga wala sang mga open cases.

Nagpabutyag man ang Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) nga compliant sa mga reporting requirements ang power company kag sila ang maga submit sang opisyal nga position paper.

Wala naman sang pagpamalabag ang Philippine Competition Commission (PCC). Nagsumite man ini sang position paper. 

Nagapabilin naman nga neutral ang Commission on Audit (COA) apang ila ginpabutyag nga kinahanglan nga may probisyon para sa full audit access, transparency, financial disclosure kag accountability.

Wala naman sang pagpamalabag ang Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Wala sila sang na record nga labor inspection coverage kag kung ano man nga pending labor standard cases.

Wala man sang ginpabutyag nga kung ano nga pagpamalabag ang Iloilo Electric Cooperatives samtang ginahiwat ang proceedings.

Bohol Light: Post-Acquisition

Nangin kabahin sang Primelectric Holdings ang Bohol Light sang 2024 sa diin nag acquire ini sang 70% sang Salcon Power group. Ang nabilin nga 30% ginapanag-iyahan pa sang Provincial Government sang Bohol.

Humalin sang takeover, nagreport si Mr. Castro sang pipila ka mga operational advancements lakip na dire ang pag expand sang customer base sang masobra 1,000 ka mga pamalay ilabi na dire ang low-load nga lugar. 

Mas ginpahapos kag ginstreamline ang payment process pinaagi sa pagbaton sang bayad sa barangay level sa Tagbilaran City agud mabuhinan ang documentary requirements para sa bag-o nga applicants sa apat na gid lamang ka mga items. 

Suno kay Mr. Castro, ginpreserba sang power company ang 100% sang workforce sini samtang mas ginpasangkad ang benepisyo sang mga empleyado kaangay sang health insurance kag fourteenth-month pay.

Matapus ang presentasyon kag review sang nagkalain-lain nga mga government agencies, ginrefer ang duha ka bills sa technical working group (TWG) para sa dugang nga konsiderasyon.

Magapadayun man ang committee sa pag review sang mga ginaduso nga proposal kag probisyon para magbalay sang rekomendasyon agud mas maplastar sang maayo antes mapasaka ang hagna para sa dugang nga legislative process sa Senado.

House Approves Bill Expanding MORE Power Franchise to Iloilo’s 1st District

 

The MORE Power expansion bill, authored by Representative Janette Garin, was approved on third and final reading by the House of Representatives of the Philippines during its session last Tuesday.

The measure seeks to include the municipalities of Iloilo’s 1st District in the franchise area of MORE Electric and Power Corporation.

The approval came after Jeffrey Ferrer, chair of the House Committee on Legislative Franchises, presented the panel’s favorable recommendation to the plenary.

House Bill 7647 proposes amendments to Sections 11, 16, and 21 of Republic Act No. 11212, as previously amended by Republic Act No. 11918. The original law granted MORE Power a franchise to establish, operate, and maintain an electric power distribution system in Iloilo City and districts two and four, ensuring the continuous and reliable delivery of electricity to consumers within its service area.

During the plenary vote, the bill garnered overwhelming support, with 247 lawmakers voting in favor, four opposing, and no abstentions, paving the way for its transmission to the Senate of the Philippines for consideration. The Senate is expected to conduct its own series of committee hearings for the proposed measure.

If enacted, the bill would allow MORE Power to expand its distribution services to the municipalities of Igbaras, Tubungan, Oton, Tigbauan, Guimbal, Miag-ao, and San Joaquin.

While the said municipalities are presently served by Iloilo I Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ILECO 1), Garin emphasized that the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines clearly states that franchises for public utilities should not be exclusive, and the Supreme Court has affirmed this.

Garin also pointed out that these local government units in the district have already passed resolutions urging Congress to expand MORE Power’s franchise coverage so their constituents can benefit from what they described as faster, more reliable, and responsive electricity services.

“The respective towns in the First District of Iloilo Province have passed resolutions requesting assistance in passing a measure that would allow them to be covered by MORE Power’s franchise area,” Garin said. “This would enable their residents to benefit from the fast, reliable, and modern electric power distribution services that MORE Power has been known to deliver.”

Supporters see the proposed expansion as a potential step toward accelerating economic growth not only in Iloilo City but also in neighboring municipalities across the province.

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