MORE Power Targets Completion of Underground Cabling by December

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

MORE Electric and Power Corp. (MORE Power) aims to complete the underground cabling project in the Calle Real area by December, removing unsightly overhead wires.

MORE Power president and chief executive officer Roel Castro announced in a press conference on Thursday, October 10, that civil works have been completed, and electrical procedures are about 70% done for the Underground Distribution Services (UDS) project along JM Basa Street.

“As far as our lines are concerned, by December, we won’t see overhead wires in the City Proper area. Everything will be underground,” Castro said.

Some remaining spaghetti wires, drop wires, and overhead cables in the downtown area belong to telecommunications companies.

Castro also addressed concerns about flooding, noting that the underground cables are oil-insulated and submersible.

Engr. Armil Logarta, head of MORE Power’s project management and development, mentioned challenges in securing permits from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Logarta explained that their initial plan was to place the electric wiring under the road, but DPWH denied this due to traffic concerns.

“We changed the design three times to meet DPWH requirements,” Logarta said, noting that these adjustments delayed the start of civil works. The project was initially slated for completion by June 2024.

Logarta added that they aim to energize a few customers and begin removing some electric posts in Calle Real this October.

The UDS project, launched in October last year, aims to reduce risks posed by geckos, birds, and rats encroaching on overhead lines, ensuring a safer and more reliable electrical infrastructure.

The project used the Horizontal Directional Drilling method to minimize disruptions, with construction activities scheduled from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. to avoid daytime traffic.

Although there are no additional underground cabling projects planned, Castro said MORE Power will assess future projects based on resolutions from the City Council.

“As long as it’s not massive and we have the resources, we will definitely consider it,” he added.