‘LOOKING FOR MORE’: Iloilo guv envisions expanded collaboration with MORE Power

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

As Iloilo City celebrates the fourth anniversary of MORE Power’s commercial operations, Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. expressed anticipation for deeper ties with the electricity distributor, hinting at its potential expansion into Iloilo province, particularly the second and fourth districts.

During a ceremony honoring MORE Power’s partners, Governor Defensor shared his aspirations for increased collaborations.

“A fraction of MORE Power is already present within the province, yet we are eager for more substantial engagements. We are looking forward to a closer working relationship in the times ahead,” he said.

The governor humorously aligned his governance and development vision, “MorProGRess Iloilo,” with MORE Power’s ethos in Iloilo City.

“MorProGRess represents the Movement for a Robust, Progressive, Globally competitive, and Resilient Province of Iloilo. It’s not, however, a subsidiary of MORE Power,” he joked, signaling the shared objectives of prosperity and progress for the region.

A recent legislative move, Republic Act 11918, has amended MORE Power’s franchise granted by RA 11212, authorizing the utility’s expansion into various Iloilo province municipalities, currently serviced by Iloilo Electric Cooperative (ILECO) I, II, and III.

Areas earmarked for MORE Power’s potential service expansion include Alimodian, Anilao, Banate, Barotac Nuevo, Dingle, Dueñas, Dumangas, Leganes, Leon, New Lucena, Pavia, San Enrique, San Miguel, Santa Barbara, Zarraga, and Passi City.

MORE Power President Roel Castro clarified that operations in these new areas await the amended Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).