MORE Power, the sole power distributor in Iloilo City, is hopeful that President Rodrigo Duterte will sign the franchise expansion bill into law before he steps down from office on June 30.
The bill seeking to expand the franchise area of More Power to 15 towns and one city in the province of Iloilo was approved by the Senate on third and final reading.
MORE Power president Roel Castro said they were delighted by the approval of House Bill No. 10306.
Specifically, the bill allows MORE Power to establish, operate and maintain an electric power distribution system in Passi City and the towns of Alimodian, Leganes, Leon, New Lucena, Pavia, San Miguel, Santa Barbara, Zarraga, Anilao, Banate, Barotac Nuevo, Dingle, Duenas, Dumangas, and San Enrique.
MORE Power, according to Castro, has actually been preparing for the possible expansion since last year.
“Our preparations is now getting into specifics na and once maapproved, definitely we will be mobilizing and we will give our roll out programs and plans sa mga areas para alam nila,” he said.
Castro reiterated that MORE Power will not take over the operations of electric cooperatives in the province.
“We will instead provide cheaper power rates and better electric distribution services to consumers in the Second District and Fourth District,” he said.
MORE Power is also open to partner with Iloilo Electric Cooperatives (ILECO) I, II and III to ensure that consumers’ best interest is served.
“We are willing to colaborate. In some points, i will extend our hand kung paano kami magtutulungan. For the benefit of the consumers,” said Castro.
MORE Power’s top official, meanwhile, assured that the expansion will not affect their operations in the city.
“Hindi magbabago ang level of service sa city. Hindi mababawasan ang investment at hindi rin mababawasan ang tao,” said Castro.IMT
