‘LOWEST RATES IN VISAYAS’: Senate reviews MORE Power, Bohol Light franchises

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

Primelectric Holdings Inc. presented its track record of slashing system losses, expanding customer bases, and maintaining among the lowest electricity rates in the Visayas as justification for the franchise extension of Bohol Light Company Incorporated and the franchise expansion of MORE Electric and Power Corporation during a Senate hearing on March 18, 2026.

Roel Z. Castro, President and Chief Executive Officer of both utilities, detailed the operational improvements before the Senate Committee on Public Services, chaired by Senator Raffy Tulfo.

Following presentations and a review by various government agencies, both bills were referred to a technical working group (TWG) for further consideration.

MORE Electric and Power Corporation, which has operated under a legislative franchise in Iloilo City for the past six years, is seeking to expand its coverage area to include the seven municipalities of the First District of Iloilo province, as sponsored by Congresswoman Janet Garin due to public clamor, in addition to the Second and Fourth Districts already included in the existing franchise.

Castro highlighted significant operational improvements since MORE Power assumed operations in Iloilo City.

The utility reduced system loss from approximately 28 percent to about 5 percent, grew its customer base from roughly 62,000 to 107,000, and reduced both the System Average Interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI) and System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) by over 90 percent.

Castro also reported that MORE Electric, along with Negros Power and Bohol Light — all managed by Primelectric Holdings — currently hold the three lowest electricity rates in the Visayas region.

On the Bohol Light franchise extension, Castro reported that Primelectric Holdings entered Bohol Light in late 2024, acquiring a 70 percent stake from the Salcon Power Group. The provincial government of Bohol retains the remaining 30 percent ownership.

Since the takeover, the company has expanded its customer base by over 1,000 households, particularly in low-load areas. It also streamlined payment processes by accepting payments at the barangay level in Tagbilaran City and reduced the documentary requirements for new applicants to just four items.

Castro noted that the company has retained 100 percent of its workforce while enhancing employee benefits to include health insurance and a fourteenth-month pay.

Government agencies provided a largely compliant assessment of both utilities’ operations.

The Department of Energy (DOE) found reportorial and other requirements to be in order but indicated it would submit additional provisions for regulatory layers.

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) confirmed compliance with performance, system reliability, system loss, and power quality standards.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) verified regular tax filing and payment with no open cases. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) stated the company is compliant with reporting requirements and will submit an official position paper.

The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) raised no objections and submitted its position paper.

The Commission on Audit (COA) maintained a neutral stance but emphasized the necessity of provisions ensuring full audit access, transparency, financial disclosure, and accountability.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) had no objection, noting no labor inspection coverage and no records of pending labor standard cases.

Representatives of the Iloilo Electric Cooperatives did not raise any objections during the proceedings.

The committee will continue to review the proposed measures, incorporating agency recommendations and further refining provisions before the bills advance further in the Senate legislative process.

The House of Representatives earlier approved House Bill 7647 on third and final reading with 247 votes in favor, four opposing, and no abstentions.

The bill proposes amendments to Sections 11, 16, and 21 of Republic Act No. 11212, as previously amended by Republic Act No. 11918, which granted MORE Power its original franchise to operate in Iloilo City.

If enacted, the expansion would extend MORE Power’s distribution services to the municipalities of Igbaras, Tubungan, Oton, Tigbauan, Guimbal, Miag-ao, and San Joaquin.