Iloilo: The entry of More Electric and Power Corp. (MORE Power) in the first district of Iloilo province is expected to provide healthy competition and lower electricity rates. First District Rep. Janette Garin has filed a bill advocating for the expansion of the distribution utility in her area, following her assessment that the general manager of the Iloilo 1 Electric Coop. (ILECO 1), Miguel Paguntalan Jr., and the president of their board, Grace Laarni Custodio, were not committed to discussions aimed at reducing electricity rates. "They were just taking us for a ride," Garin stated during a press conference.

According to Philippines News Agency, Garin has challenged ILECO 1 to lower their rates, promising to withdraw her bill if they do so. She emphasized her accountability to her constituents, expressing concern that her district might end up with the highest electricity rates if the issue is not addressed. The approximately 80,000 to 85,000 consumers from the first district might have to cover around PHP40 million in operational expenses for ILECO 1, especially as consumers from the second district begin transitioning to MORE Power.

The Energy Regulatory Commission recently granted MORE Power a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) to expand into the second and fourth districts of Iloilo. ILECO 1 currently serves the municipalities in both the first and second districts. This week, the House Committee on Legislative Franchises began deliberations on House Bill 6292, which seeks to include the municipalities of Igbaras, Tubungan, Oton, Tigbauan, Guimbal, Miag-ao, and San Joaquin in MORE Power's expansion. "The hearing went well. In fact, there was unanimous support," Garin remarked.