MORE Electric and Power Corp. (MORE Power) is poised to extend its services to consumers in 15 municipalities and one component city in Iloilo province after the Supreme Court denied with finality the motion for reconsideration filed by electric cooperatives challenging the validity of its expanded franchise.
“Technically, it affirms the decision that the expanded franchise of MORE Power is valid and constitutional, and it allows us to expand our electric distribution services from Iloilo City to 15 municipalities and one component city in the province of Iloilo,” stated MORE Power legal officer Elizabeth Dyhn Cabunagan in an interview on Monday.
Cabunagan noted that the Supreme Court’s decision, received on June 13, is a “positive development,” and the company looks forward to serving the second and fourth districts of the province. “If you can recall, the clamor of the province of Iloilo for MORE Power to expand started in 2021, so it has been three years already. Hopefully, we will be issued the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) this year, and we can start serving our potential consumers in the province of Iloilo,” she added.
The CPCN, which is issued by the Energy Regulatory Commission, is a permit that allows the utility to commence its services. MORE Power’s CPCN has been pending since 2022, with the last hearing scheduled for this month.
Once the CPCN is granted, Cabunagan indicated that MORE Power intends to implement its development plan over the next four to five years. The plan includes the introduction of modern facilities, competitive rates, and excellent customer service, similar to what is currently offered in Iloilo City.
Roel Castro, president and chief executive officer of Primelectric Holdings Inc., the parent company of MORE Power, expressed gratitude that the Supreme Court upheld “the rule of law and the will of the people.” He stated, “This ruling is a victory for consumers who have been waiting for two years to access modern, reliable, and efficient electric service.”
The expanded franchise will cover the towns of Alimodian, Anilao, Banate, Barotac Nuevo, Dingle, Dueñas, Dumangas, Leganes, Leon, New Lucena, Pavia, San Enrique, San Miguel, Santa Barbara, and Zarraga, as well as Passi City.