A SERIES article of the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI) stated that the Philippines faces three energy insecurity problems:
1) electricity demand is growing fast;
2) the supply of electricity is often short of demand; and
3) the discrepancy in electrification rate between cities and rural areas.
Recently, in our local situation, we are experiencing brownouts because of the drop in the amount of voltage that the electrical grid puts out. This situation happens when there is a great demand for the electrical system. It results in an increase in the usage of electricity.
One of the options made by electricity providers is to reduce the amount of energy to avoid a full blackout or to alternate the usage of electricity in certain areas. This can harshly impact the lives of the people and most of all the economic situation of a community. What can be done?
There are two energy providers in Iloilo – the Iloilo Electric Cooperative (ILECO) in the province and MORE Electric and Power Corp. (MORE Power) in the city.
In 2019, MORE Power was granted a franchise, by virtue of Republic Act No. 11212, to establish, operate, and maintain, for commercial purposes and in the public interest, a distribution system for the conveyance of electric power to end users in Iloilo City.
Recently, the Senate approved the third and final reading House Bill (H.B.) No. 10306 to expand the coverage of MORE Power. What to expect?
Once the bill is signed by the president, MORE Power will serve more consumers in Iloilo province, more specifically to operate in Passi City, Alimodian, Leganes, Leon, New Lucena, Pavia, San Miguel, Santa Barbara, Zarraga, Banate, Barotac Nuevo, Dingle, Dueñas, Dumangas, and San Enrique.
It will have the power to modify, improve, or change its facilities, poles, lines, systems, and equipment for the purpose of providing efficient and reliable service and reduced electricity costs. Additionally, it should charge reasonable and just power rates for its services to all types of consumers within its new franchise areas.
Of course, we cannot avoid opposition from other parties and stakeholders, but this is a sign of significant growth and improvement in our current situation.
Since there are more rural areas in the province, we expect that there will be an increase in production in the far lands because farmers can now easily operate their equipment. By expanding the power coverage, businesses in the province may also be expanded to bring additional income. Thus, there is a big impact on the daily lives not only of the households but also of business owners.
We hope that MORE Power will not change its amount of service in the province just like in the city once the bill becomes a law./PN
