THESE days, all eyes are on “I Am Iloilo City”—not because it is the “next big thing,” but because it has already become the big thing. The city’s remarkable growth over the past five years in terms of its economy, investment climate, and overall quality of life has been nothing short of phenomenal.
Much of this progress can be attributed to its sole electric power distribution utility: MORE Electric and Power Corporation, more commonly known as MORE Power.
MORE Power restructured Iloilo City’s electric distribution system by investing in cutting-edge substations, advanced metering infrastructure, and modern transformers. These improvements significantly reduced system losses, curtailed pilferage, and minimized outages—resulting in a more stable, efficient, and reliable power supply.
At the heart of this transformation is the state-of-the-art MORE Power Control Center, which operates 24/7 to ensure uninterrupted electricity service.
Thanks to smart grid technology and proactive maintenance, Iloilo City now enjoys fewer power interruptions, better voltage quality, and an overall improved energy experience—positioning the city as a regional leader in power innovation.
Moreover, MORE Power has managed to offer Iloilo City residents the lowest electricity rates in the country, and continues to do so despite global geopolitical instability that has driven up energy costs elsewhere.
Naturally, investors are gravitating toward Iloilo City. Ideally, this influx of capital should spill over into the rest of the province. But that’s not happening—not yet. Investment activity appears to stop at the city’s fringe.
The key reason? Stark differences in electricity rates and service quality.
While Iloilo City benefits from MORE Power, the province’s 42 municipalities are served by three separate electric cooperatives: ILECO I, II, and III. Each cooperative operates with its own set of rates and service standards—rates that are significantly higher than those in the city.
These electric cooperatives are non-stock corporations dependent on government loans and subsidies. Historically, they have also been associated with higher electricity rates.
To say that electric cooperatives have become outdated in the context of a rapidly developing province would be an understatement. Simply put, they have outlived their original purpose.
These cooperatives were created decades ago to facilitate rural electrification—not to support the demands of a modern, growing provincial economy. Today, they stand more as relics than as relevant utilities.
Recently, Congress passed Republic Act No. 11918, which expands MORE Power’s franchise beyond Iloilo City to include 15 municipalities and the component city of Passi—areas previously under ILECO’s exclusive service.
To put all legal questions to rest, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of RA 11918, affirming the legitimacy of MORE Power’s expanded franchise.
That’s a welcome development—but it only covers 15 municipalities and one city. What about the rest of Iloilo Province?
Even so, MORE Power’s expansion is already underway. Primary lines are being extended to the Iloilo City-Pavia boundary, with the Megaworld substation in Mandurriao serving as the main power source for Pavia due to its proximity.
Once the expansion begins in full swing, it is expected to take four to five years to complete, with an initial investment of ₱2 billion to ₱2.5 billion.
It’s all systems go—but here’s a radical idea: What if there were just one power distribution utility for the entire province and city of Iloilo? One provider, one rate—One Iloilo.
Imagine a unified Iloilo—city and province—served by a single electric utility that provides reliable service, low rates, and excellent customer care across the board.
Would this help spread economic growth more evenly across the province?
Absolutely. It would allow investment and development to radiate from the city into neighboring towns, bringing with it increased employment, tax revenues, and other community benefits.
If we are truly serious about inclusive progress, then we must be bold enough to reform one of the most vital sectors of our economy: power distribution. Alongside infrastructure, transportation, and digital connectivity, electricity is a fundamental driver of development.
It’s high time our provincial leaders give serious thought to the idea of “One Iloilo, One Rate, One Provider.”/PN
