Uninterrupted power supply led to smooth, orderly BSKE

By Mariela Angella Oladive

MORE Power, the sole power distribution utility in Iloilo City, ensured uninterrupted power supply throughout the entire Barangay and SK Elections, with a 100% success rate from start to finish.

In a statement, the company said its Command Center, which played a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless electric power supply, officially signed off at 5:20 AM on Oct 31, with 92% of the newly elected barangay officials already proclaimed at that time.

“The execution of comprehensive strategies and integrated plans during such a critical event highlights the company’s determination to keeping the lights on and the electoral processes running smoothly. The uninterrupted power supply for the Barangay Elections is a result of meticulous planning, continuous monitoring, and the hard work of our dedicated team,” said MORE Power’s President and CEO Roel Z. Castro.

“We understand the importance of such events in our communities, and we are honored to be contributing to their success,” he added.

Engr. Bernard Bailey Del Castillo, vice president for Network Development and Operations Group, revealed that on the night of October 29, they augmented their response team.

Additional response and line teams were strategically deployed for the first shift on election day, October 30, each with dedicated team leaders assigned to specific districts.

This strategic maneuver aimed to amplify support and guarantee a consistent power supply throughout the election.

MORE Power also assigned personnel to inspect polling centers. These personnel engaged with teachers, exchanging contact numbers to ensure swift responses in emergencies. This proactive response was aimed at securing an uninterrupted electricity flow during the electoral process.

“We completed courtesy calls at 62 polling centers, the Iloilo City Automated Recording Equipment (ICARE), and the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) offices, assuring that the situation was reported as normal,” Del Castillo said.

“Actively monitoring field activities, our response team, linemen, and team leaders remained on standby until the completion of the vote counting process,” he added.

The 100% continuous power supply not only allowed for the timely proclamation of the majority of barangay officials but also ensured the overall efficiency and fairness of the election process. “In a time when reliable power is essential for the smooth operation of various functions. We remain focused on our mission of delivering dependable electric power to our customers, regardless of the occasion or the scale of the event. This milestone during the Barangay Elections is yet another testament to the company’s steadfast service they offer to the electric power consumers of Iloilo City,” Castro said.

Meanwhile, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) said it did not encounter any major system disturbance affecting the venues of the 2023 Barangay and SK Elections.

NGCP deactivated its Overall Command Center (OCmC) and all regional command centers on 31 October 2023, following the deactivation of the Department of Energy’s power situation monitoring for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections based on the near completion and closing activities of the Commission on Elections.

“After operating round the clock beginning 29 October 2023, NGCP is pleased to report that there were no major incidents that affected transmission facilities. NGCP assures the public that it is ready to activate its OCMC for similar critical events in the future,” the NGCP said.