MORE Power Energizes Upgraded Molo Substation

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By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

MORE Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power) has successfully energized its rehabilitated 25/30 MVA Molo Substation, marking a key milestone in modernizing Iloilo City’s power infrastructure.

Rehabilitation began on July 5, 2023, with EEI Power Corporation as the contractor. The project involved replacing outdated equipment, including the control system and switchyard, to make the substation more reliable and automated.

“The Molo Substation had been in operation for 23 years without proper maintenance, leading to frequent malfunctions,” said Roel Z. Castro, president and CEO of MORE Power.

“This upgrade is essential not only to meet the increasing demand for electricity due to population growth and commercial expansion in the area but also to extend the transformer’s life and improve performance using advanced technology for stable and efficient power distribution,” Castro emphasized.

During the upgrade, a 30/36 MVA mobile substation provided temporary power to maintain uninterrupted electricity supply.

The upgraded Molo Substation features a reconfigured in-out system, significantly reducing the risk of outages during peak demand. This system enables power to be easily rerouted via the SCADA system if a transmission line encounters a fault.

“MORE Power’s SCADA implementation sets a benchmark as the first Distribution Utility (DU) in Panay and one of the few in the Philippines to use this modern power management system,” said Armil Logarta, Project Management and Development Head.

This upgrade minimizes power interruptions, enhancing service reliability for both residential and commercial customers. The integration of the modern substation also enables smarter load management, allowing MORE Power to swiftly respond to demand fluctuations.

With the Molo Substation now fully operational, the mobile substation will be relocated to the Mandurriao Substation for its own rehabilitation starting in October. MORE Power remains committed to upgrading Iloilo City’s power infrastructure, ensuring a stable and reliable electricity supply for the community.

As part of its five-year development plan, MORE Power aims to enhance the electricity distribution system in Iloilo City. A significant load from the Molo Substation will be transferred to the new Arevalo Substation early next year.

“This transition is vital to improving power distribution throughout Iloilo City, ultimately enhancing the daily lives and business operations of our consumers,” Castro said.

The upgraded Molo Substation strengthens MORE Power’s commitment to reliable service and supports the city’s growth and residents’ quality of life.