THIRTY-ONE days into the new year, and the outlook already appears brighter—pun intended—for “I Am Iloilo City” and nearby municipalities, particularly in terms of power distribution and its cascading effects on the economy and the quality of life of Ilonggos.
There can only be one power distribution utility for “I Am Iloilo City” and Iloilo Province, and that is—drum roll—the one and only MORE Electric and Power Corporation, more popularly known as MORE Power.
It is only a matter of time—probably sooner rather than later—before the vision of “One Iloilo, One Rate, One Provider” is finally realized.
This momentum began with the passage of Republic Act No. 11212, as amended by RA 11918, which authorizes MORE Power to operate as the distribution utility in Iloilo City and in several municipalities in the province’s Second and Fourth Districts, including Passi City.
This was followed by House Bill No. 6292, which seeks to expand MORE Power’s franchise to seven municipalities in the First District: Igbaras, Tubungan, Oton, Tigbauan, Guimbal, Miag-ao, and San Joaquin.
Once approved, the vision of one province, one rate, and one provider will finally come to pass.
Meanwhile, let us return to “I Am Iloilo City” and take a look at the bright prospects awaiting it in the new year.
According to MORE Power President Roel Castro, the plan is simple: keep making things better for customers. This means expanding to more towns in 2026 while simultaneously rolling out smarter technologies to ensure smoother operations.
In other words, the company is not slowing down—it is doubling down on its commitment to deliver steady, top-notch electricity not only for Iloilo City but also for surrounding municipalities within its expanded franchise.
MORE Power is now preparing additional development programs that will directly benefit consumers once substations and primary distribution lines are fully upgraded and operational.
Among the major projects lined up is the construction of additional substations. At present, the company operates eight substations with a total capacity of 252.2 MVA, with one more substation targeted for completion in 2026.
Another key initiative planned for 2026 is the expanded use of artificial intelligence (AI) to gather analytics and data through centralized servers. This system will enable the company to respond more quickly and efficiently to consumer concerns.
MORE Power is also continuously studying the implementation of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), which will allow consumers to track their energy use more easily. Once implemented, customers will no longer have to wait hours for reconnections, as these can be done remotely through the SCADA system.
On top of these initiatives, the company plans to enhance its energy mix by increasing the use of renewable sources, helping keep power rates reasonable for everyone. (PN 1/12/2026)
Meanwhile, MORE Power has already begun bringing electricity to new areas in Iloilo Province, starting with Pavia town and the University of St. La Salle campus.
A notable milestone was the successful completion of the transfer of International Builders Corporation’s (IBC) power source to MORE Electric and Power Corporation.
IBC became the first consumer in MORE Power’s extended franchise area to officially transfer its electric power line from another distribution utility.
The migration of IBC’s power supply—a historic first in the country—was completed in just a few hours and carried out without any delays.
More recently, another homegrown Ilonggo business establishment transferred its power source from a local cooperative to power innovator MORE Electric and Power Corporation.
Iloilo Supermart in Jibao-an, Pavia town, successfully migrated its power line, marking the first mall in MORE Power’s extended franchise area to make the transition from its previous distribution utility.
To cap it all, here are some words of wisdom from former “I Am Iloilo City” Mayor Jerry Treñas: “I am so happy with our power distribution utility, MORE Power, for their investments in Iloilo City—a reliable and indispensable partner of the city government in the city’s development.”
Indeed, a brighter 2026 lies ahead for “I Am Iloilo City” and Iloilo Province./PN
