Iloilo: More Electric and Power Corp. (MORE Power) has earmarked PHP2 billion for its activities covering its expanded franchise areas in the province of Iloilo. MORE Power president Roel Castro, in a press conference on Friday, said the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) issued the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) two weeks ago for its expanded franchise areas in the second and fourth districts of Iloilo.

According to Philippines News Agency, Castro said he will be discussing their plans with the local government units covered by the franchise areas. While waiting for the CPCN, the utility firm is gradually erecting poles starting in the towns of Pavia, San Miguel, and Sta. Barbara. Castro also wrote Mayor Luigi Gorriceta of the town of Pavia for some clarification on the migration from the existing distribution utility to MORE Power to ensure the smooth and safe switching.

"This is the first time that this is being done in the Philippines, which is why there are no procedures yet," Castro noted. However, he mentioned that they have already energized the application of the University of St. La Salle - Iloilo Campus in Barangay Maliao, Pavia, because it's a new connection.

For now, he said they are looking for other sites to put up their substations. In the meantime, the substation of Jaro will take care of the eastern seaboard while the Megaword substation will cater the accounts from Pavia. "At the end of the day, what we are bringing to the consumers of the second and fourth districts is the kind of service that we are giving each and everyone here in the city. The rates are lower, customer service response is faster," he added.

The expanded franchise area covers Passi City and the municipalities of Alimodian, Leganes, Leon, New Lucena, Pavia, San Miguel, Santa Barbara, Zarraga, Anilao, Banate, Barotac Nuevo, Dingle, Due±as, Dumangas, and San Enrique.