‘DON’T GET CONFUSED’ ERC: MORE Power is distribution operator

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) made it clear that MORE Electric and Power Corp. is now the authorized distribution system operator in Iloilo City.

MORE Power said ERC Chair and CEO Agnes Devanadera’s letter to MORE and PECO dated March 5 was very succinct and direct in saying that PECO no longer has the legal standing to run power distribution in the city.

“Mindful of its mandates to protect consumer interest, ensure uninterrupted electric service to consumers in Iloilo City and prevent chaos and confusion among said customers as to who is authorized to operate the distribution system in the area,” the ERC during its meeting on March 5 resolved to adopt the following resolutions :

1. Revoke the provisional CPCN (Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity) issued to PECO after determining that MORE has established or acquired its own distribution system and verified MORE’s complete transition to full operations;
2. Issue a Provisional Authority, pursuant to Sec. 8 of EO 172, authorizing MORE to operate the distribution network;
3. Authorize MORE to implement the last approved distribution charges of PECO; and
4. Require MORE to source and procure its power requirements in accordance with Section 5 of RA 11212. While MORE is unable to secure the Certificate of Exemption from the Department of Energy (DOE) necessary to enter into emergency power supply agreements, it shall source its power requirements from the current power generation suppliers of PECO.”

Republic Act No. 11212 is MORE Power’s congressional franchise to distribute power in Iloilo City. It was signed into law by Pres. Rodrigo Duterte on Feb 14, 2019.

PECO’S extended franchise expired last January 18, 2019. They were given provisional CPCN in accordance with section 17 of RA 11212, taking into consideration public interest and to ensure the uninterrupted supply of electricity until MORE established a full operation of the distribution system.

Last Feb 28, sheriffs of the Iloilo Regional Trial Court successfully executed the writ of possession (WOP) issued by RTC Branch 23 Judge Emerald Contreras and turned over the city’s distribution assets to MORE Power.

On March 3 to 4, ERC’s technical personnel conducted ocular inspection to verify the actual status of the distribution network and determine who among MORE and PECO is actually operating the system.

In their inspection report submitted to the ERC, the team confirmed that MORE has gained full possession and control over the five substations, has prepared for all other aspects related to electricity distribution, and has power supply contracts with 4 power suppliers that will ensure uninterrupted supply of electricity, sufficient to serve the consumers in Iloilo city.

The ERC Inspection Team likewise verified MORE’s full readiness and capacity in aspects of development, operation and maintenance of the distribution systems.

During the hearing last March 6, Judge Contreras expressed gladness that her apprehensions of power outages did not happen because the electricity supply in Iloilo city continued since the takeover.