Power consumers in Iloilo City expressed confusion amid the ongoing dispute between Panay Electric Company (PECO) and MORE Electric and Power Corp. (MORE Power).

MORE Power said that it “successfully” took over PECO’s distribution assets following the implementation of the writ of possession issued by the Iloilo City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 23.

“We have now taken possession and control over all electric meters, power lines, poles, transformers, installations, and distribution equipment throughout the city,” MORE Power said in a statement.

“Should there be any concerns, MORE Power troubleshooting teams are on stand by to extend any assistance,” the Enrique Razon Jr.-owned power firm added.

MORE Power also said that it already started reading electric meters to determine the cut-off consumption of each consumer that will be the basis of their initial power bill.

However, PECO insisted that MORE Power cannot bill its consumers because the latter has no existing contracts with power suppliers.

“For clarification purposes, MORE Power has no existing contracts with PECO’s power suppliers and thus has no electricity to sell,” PECO said in a statement.

“In addition, MORE has no ERC approved rates in order to bill any of PECO’s present consumers.” 

PECO said its mains office building is “still open as usual from Monday to Friday starting 7:30 am to 5 pm.”

“You may still transact your applications, billing inquiries, payments and other matters related to the main office during weekdays.”

These pronouncements from the two power firms caused confusion among consumers.

Here are some comments from PECO and MORE Power’s Facebook pages.

Veronica Rodrigo: “Good eve. MORE employees visited us yesterday and screened shot individually the post likewise ‘kuntador’ ano ka matuod nga ang bulan sang March according sa ila libre kg sa April pa ma start billing nla? Amo na diri napapati nila sa mga tawo.”

Sherwin Go: “Should i wait for the issue to resolve before i pay incoming feb bill? Or do i pay the bill sa MORE office na po?”

Maria Regi Magos: “Just a question since I find it confusing. With the recent events at hand, in case may mga electrical emergencies can we still call your troubleshooters for help? or is it MORE’s responsibility to troubleshoot na?”

Ernesto Madalogdog: “Ang PECO personnel man guihapon ang ga reading and deliver our bill statement sa amon? thanks.”

Bryan Kevin Ong Tung: “Pwede nd kme anay magbayad electric bill until ma-settle nyo sng PECO ang issue?”

Julie Grace Manalang: “Ask lng ako how about ang consumers sng peco automatic na ina bala nga mg lipat sa more?”

–IMT