MORE Power begins service under expanded franchise

By Mariela Angella Oladive

MORE Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power) has formally marked the beginning of its operations in Iloilo province under its expanded franchise, with the University of St. La Salle (USLS) campus in Brgy. Mali-ao, Pavia, becoming its first customer outside Iloilo City.

MORE Power President and Chief Executive Officer, Roel Castro, confirmed that the electrification process for the new campus is underway, following the Energy Regulatory Commission’s approval of the company’s Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity two weeks ago.

“This is our first client in the expansion area, and it is very historic because this is the first time in the Philippines that an overlapping franchise has been implemented. Our objective is to bring better service to more consumers,” he said in a press conference on Dec. 5.

Republic Act 11918 expanded MORE Power’s franchise to 15 towns and Passi City, which are currently within the service areas of Iloilo Electric Cooperative (ILECO) I, II, and III.

The expanded coverage includes Alimodian, Anilao, Banate, Barotac Nuevo, Dingle, Dueñas, Dumangas, Leganes, Leon, New Lucena, Pavia, San Enrique, San Miguel, Santa Barbara, Zarraga, and Passi City.

Castro said the company had been working slowly before the CPCN approval, limiting activities to primary line installations in parts of the second legislative district.

With regulatory authority secured, MORE Power has begun broader distribution line development and opened talks with prospective customers who intend to shift once procedures are finalized.

“For Pavia, the infrastructure is already being set up, and we are now moving from primary to secondary line works,” he said.

He added that MORE Power’s staged rollout will follow engineering schedules, with San Miguel and Santa Barbara among the next municipalities in line.

However, he noted that some areas—such as Passi City—will need additional time since distribution lines have yet to reach those locations.

Castro emphasized that the company will apply the same service standards offered in Iloilo City, including faster response time, upgraded distribution infrastructure, and the installation of insulated three-wire primary lines.

As for the rates, he said the rates will remain the same because the entire coverage is under one franchise.

He also underscored the need for close coordination with existing distribution utilities, local government units, and municipal engineers, especially since customer migration between two legally operating utilities is unprecedented.

“This is the first time…, which is why there are still no procedures for it. It’s not in the Philippine Electrical Code, although the standards are there,” he said, citing that he has already reached out to Mayor Luigi Gorriceta of Pavia to ensure a smooth and systematic process.

In August 2024, the Sangguniang Bayan of Pavia passed a resolution urging MORE Power to accelerate its operations in the municipality.