In a significant move towards promoting renewable energy in the Philippines, MORE Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power) has taken proactive steps to enhance its Net-Metering and Distributed Energy Resources (DER) initiatives.
MORE Power, Iloilo City’s sole power distributor, submitted last Nov. 11 a letter to the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) requesting the consolidation of Net-Metering and DER Certificate of Compliance (COC) applications at its Customer Care Office in the city.
“This initiative aims to simplify the application process for consumers interested in renewable energy solutions, not only in Iloilo City but also extending to Central Negros and Tagbilaran City,” said MORE Power president and CEO Roel Z. Castro.
The ERC responded favorably, agreeing to consolidating applications at the Iloilo Office, where it will maintain a monthly schedule. This arrangement allows authorized ERC representatives to assess applications on-site, expediting the issuance of Statements of Account for submissions from MORE Power, as well as from Negros Electric and Power Corporation (NEPC) and Bohol Light Company Inc. (BLCI).
ERC chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta commended MORE Power’s proactive measures, stating, “The Commission appreciates MORE’s initiative in further streamlining the processing of Net-Metering and DER applications.”
This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to enhancing renewable energy adoption in Iloilo City, positioning it as a model for other local government units (LGUs) nationwide. “We look forward to more DUs supporting these pro-consumer programs towards the realization of energy democracy,” Dimalanta said
The partnership between MORE Power and ERC is not new; it builds on previous agreements aimed at promoting renewable energy technologies. In August 2023, MORE Power signed a tripartite agreement with the ERC and the Iloilo City government to establish a one-stop shop for renewable energy technologies. This agreement has already resulted in the issuance of Certificates of Compliance to 33 qualified net metering customers. The total installed capacity to date is 4,336 kW with a total of 172,997 kWh generated in October 2024.
City Mayor Jerry Treñas highlighted the broader implications of this partnership, stating that it aligns with national sustainability targets and encourages green practices among residents. The initiative not only promotes environmental sustainability but also aims to reduce electricity costs for households and small businesses.
Meanwhile, Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez expressed his support, saying: “I commend Roel Castro of MORE/Negros Power for his initiative to streamline the application process for Net-Metering and DER through the one-stop shop of Energy Regulatory Commission. This paves the way for greater accessibility to renewable energy solutions for our community.”
As part of this collaboration, the ERC will provide technical and regulatory expertise to streamline documentary submissions, installation processes, payment procedures, and permitting associated with Net-Metering and DER.
Additionally, ERC, in partnership with MORE Power, plans to conduct information drives to raise awareness about renewable energy benefits among electricity consumers in Iloilo, Central Negros and Tagbilaran City.
