ILOILO City – The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has approved MORE Electric and Power Corporation’s (MORE Power) proposal to streamline its Net-Metering and Distributed Energy Resources (DER) initiatives, aiming to make renewable energy solutions more accessible to consumers.
On November 11, 2024, MORE Power submitted a request to the ERC to consolidate its Net-Metering and DER Certificate of Compliance (COC) applications at its Customer Care Office in Iloilo City. The initiative seeks to simplify the application process not just for Iloilo City residents but also for consumers in Central Negros and Tagbilaran City.
“This initiative is part of our commitment to promoting renewable energy solutions and providing better services to our consumers,” said Roel Z. Castro, MORE Power president and chief executive officer.
The ERC has agreed to the consolidation, allowing the Iloilo City office to serve as a central hub for monthly application assessments. ERC representatives will conduct on-site evaluations, expediting the issuance of compliance documents for MORE Power, Negros Electric and Power Corporation (NEPC), and Bohol Light Company Inc. (BLCI).
The initiative is a “One-Stop-Shop” system designed to make the application process faster and more efficient, offering convenience to more consumers.
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 prosumer programs towards the realization of energy democracy,” Dimalanta added.
The partnership between MORE Power and the 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.
Mayor Jerry Treñas of Iloilo City 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’s Mayor Albee Benitez expressed his support.
“I commend Roel Castro of MORE/Negros Power for his initiative to streamline the application process for Net Metering and Distributed Energy Resources through the one-stop shop of Energy Regulatory Commission. This paves the way for greater accessibility to renewable energy solutions for our community,” said Benitez.
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, the 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.
The partnership between MORE Power and the ERC is set to significantly enhance renewable energy adoption in the Visayas by streamlining access to Net-Metering and Distributed Energy Resources (DER). This initiative not only reflects MORE Power’s commitment to sustainability but also serves as a model for other local government units to follow. By making renewable energy technologies more accessible, the collaboration aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower electricity costs for households and small businesses.
As this initiative unfolds, stakeholders are optimistic about its potential to foster a culture of sustainability in the Visayas. The combined efforts of MORE Power, the ERC, and the local government will provide practical solutions that empower residents to engage in energy conservation while supporting local economic growth through cleaner energy technologies./PN
