Sen. Poe praises MORE Power’s efficient service

Senator Grace Poe is satisfied with More Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power) as the distribution utility of Iloilo City as the latter is offering lower rates and efficient services.

In a joint investigation by the Senate Committees on Energy and Trade regarding the frequent power outages across the country due to the mismanagement of electric cooperatives, Poe expressed her approval for MORE Power for transforming electricity services in Iloilo City in just three years after its takeover from the previous distribution utility.

The lawmaker emphasized that the entry of private players like MORE Power plays a pivotal role in enhancing power services and preventing frequent brownouts.

“Doon sa Iloilo, nang ma-approve yung MORE Power,  mas naging maayos ang serbisyo,” Poe said. “So iniisip namin, kung mas malaki ang capitalization ng private sector at meron silang responsibilidad sa kanilang mga shareholders, mas maayos ang serbisyo nila.”

Iloilo City’s power service witnessed significant improvements after MORE Power’s franchise approval, said Sen. Poe, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Services.

Since its takeover in 2020, MORE Power has been steadfastly implementing its five-year development plan to upgrade power services in Iloilo City. The company has invested an impressive P1.5 billion dedicated to the modernization of power distribution facilities, making a remarkable difference.

Among the notable upgrades by MORE Power were the replacement of old and dilapidated electric meters and wooden poles. It also carried out significant improvements to transformers, substations, and constructed new transmission and switching stations.

These modernization efforts yielded impressive results, including a staggering 90 percent reduction in power interruptions. Moreover, MORE Power’s initiatives effectively curbed overloading and illegal connections, leading to a decrease in system loss passed on to consumers. The company’s swift response to consumer complaints also improved overall service quality, and subsequently, electricity bills were reduced.

The impact of the modernization efforts was evident in the city’s electricity bills, which now rank among the lowest in the entire country.

“MORE Power has invested over a billion pesos to deliver on its commitment to bring about welcome changes in the electric service in terms of efficiency, sufficiency, and reliability,” MORE Power president Roel Z. Castro said.

Recently, the distribution utility also started returning the bill deposits of eligible consumers, which earned praises from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) chair Atty. Monalisa Dimalanta.

According to Dimalanta, other distribution utilities (DUs) should follow the lead of MORE Power for its efficient management and compliance with the Magna Carta for Residential Electricity Consumers.

“We encourage this culture of accountability among the regulated entities as demonstrated by the actions of MORE Power on the refund and least cost supply,” said Dimalanta.