ILOILO CITY – MORE Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power) is ramping up its renewable energy and subsidy initiatives here following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s renewed commitment to green and inclusive energy reforms during his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA).
President Marcos vowed to energize an additional one million homes with solar systems by 2028 and to accelerate the Department of Energy’s (DOE) net metering program, which allows households to sell excess solar-generated electricity to the grid.
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has also been directed to fast-track approvals.
“Para lalo pang makatipid ang ating kababayan at maipagbili ang sobrang kuryente nila, isusulong na ng Department of Energy ang Net Metering program,” the President said.
MORE Power president and chief executive officer Roel Castro welcomed the move, saying it aligned with the firm’s mission.
“We are very pleased with the president’s recent State of the Nation Address, especially his inclusion of prioritizing the energy sector and we support this move,” he said.
The utility currently serves more than 100,000 consumers in Iloilo City and has 491 active net metering accounts, with 34 more applications pending.
Among its early adopters was Iloilo City Hall, which installed a 60-kilowatt solar system in 2024.
In June alone, 237,780 kilowatt-hours of renewable energy were fed into the grid through the program.
Marcos also declared that lifeline rate discounts — formerly limited to Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) households — will now be extended to all qualified low-income users with minimal consumption.
MORE Power has 5,610 lifeline rate beneficiaries and expects this number to grow under the expanded guidelines.
“These initiatives ensure that marginalized sectors benefit from more affordable electricity and renewable energy. Access to energy is not merely a service—it’s a right,” Castro emphasized.
The company has strengthened its coordination with the ERC and the Iloilo City Government, formalized through a 2023 tripartite agreement establishing an ERC satellite office in Iloilo City to improve regulatory support and access.
MORE Power said it remains committed to President Marcos’ energy goals of expanding clean, affordable, and inclusive electricity access in Western Visayas./PN
