MORE: We have the CPCN

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

MORE Electric and Power Corp slammed reports that it still lacks authority from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to run power distribution services in Iloilo City.

MORE Power pointed to a statement posted on the ERC website and social media accounts confirming that it has secured a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN).

The CPCN is a documentary requirement that allows distribution utilities to operate.

The ERC press statement on its website said that in a letter dated March 5, 2020, the commission “issued a Provisional Authority (PA) to MORE Electric and Power Corporation (MORE) authorizing it to operate the distribution network in Iloilo City.”

“The grant of the PA to MORE has effectively revoked the provisional Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) that the ERC granted to Panay Electric Company, Inc. (PECO), the former electric power franchisee in Iloilo City.”

ERC Chairperson and CEO Agnes VST Devanadera said the Commission issued the Provisional Authority “to protect consumer’s interest by ensuring uninterrupted electric service to consumers in Iloilo City and prevent chaos and confusion among said customers as to who is authorized to operate the distribution system in the area.”

According to the ERC, MORE Power submitted a Writ of Possession dated Feb 27, 2020 issued by the Iloilo City Regional Trial Court Branch 23, authorizing it to take possession of certain properties of PECO in connection with the latter’s business of electric power distribution.

“Further, MORE also submitted to the ERC a copy of the Sheriff’s Return dated 02 March 2020 to inform the latter that the Writ of Possession has been duly served and fully implemented.”

The ERC, through its technical personnel, conducted an ocular inspection on March 3-4, 2020 to verify the actual status of the distribution network and determine who is actually operating the said system.

“On the basis of the Inspection Report submitted by the Inspection Team, it was confirmed that MORE has gained full possession and control over the five (5) substations, has prepared for all other aspects related to electricity distribution, and has Power Supply Contracts in place with four (4) power suppliers that will ensure continuous supply of electricity in the franchise area.  The ERC Inspection Team has also verified MORE’s readiness and capability in aspects of development, operation and maintenance of distribution systems.”

Devanadera said that with the ERC’s issuance of a Provisional Authority to MORE, “it is clear that MORE is the bona fide and legitimate distribution utility in Iloilo City. As such, MORE is authorized to implement the last approved distribution charges for the Iloilo consumers.”