THE “DANGLING conversation” continues as we talk more (pun intended) about MORE Power besides the obvious i.e., lower power rates and power interruptions due to upgrading and maintenance of the power distribution facilities.
So, what’s Republic Act 11552?
It’s an Act extending and enhancing the implementation of the Lifeline Rate under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA).
The Lifeline Rate is a subsidized electricity rate provided to financially-challenged low-income customers who struggle to pay their bills. This program aims to ensure equitable distribution and support to those in need – the qualified household-beneficiaries under the “4Ps Act” (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) and/or marginalized end-users living below the poverty threshold established by the Philippine Statistics Authority.
Take note that their electric consumption must remain below 95 kWh to qualify.
Those qualified must have an accomplished Lifeline Rate Application form, their most recent electricity bill, a valid government-issued ID (preferably 4Ps ID) or a certification from the local Social Welfare and Development Office showing income below the poverty threshold.
Of course, those Individuals who have violated the Anti-Pilferage of Electricity Act, your classic illegalista a.k.a. “jumpers”, are definitely disqualified.
Moving on…just recently, MORE Power, Iloilo’s private electric distribution utility, has joined hands with the World Surgical Foundation Phils. (WSFP) Inc., a dedicated non-stock, non-profit charitable foundation with a mission to deliver top-notch surgical healthcare to underprivileged individuals and communities in the Philippines.
WSFP is renowned for its medico-mercy surgical missions, also known as “surgical outreach projects”, carried out through their Direct Surgical Support Program Pillar. These endeavors take place across various regions of the Philippines, offering professional medical and surgical services at no cost to indigent patients who lack access to affordable and quality healthcare.
MORE Power has committed to support WSFP in their mutual endeavors. This partnership will ensure implementation of surgical outreach activities, benefitting impoverished communities of high-quality medical and surgical care in Iloilo, as well as Bacolod City.
Really, Nong Moroy is taking his corporate social responsibility seriously, walking the talk so to speak – a far cry from his predecessor, Don Pecoy.
Meanwhile, MORE Power announced a total of 175 customers have already received their bill deposit refunds since the program’s commencement in June 2023.
As of September 2023, MORE Power has successfully returned a total of P539,000 bill deposit to all eligible customers.
According to MORE Power’s president/chief executive officer Roel Z. Castro, the company’s stance on bill deposits is that these funds do not belong to the company.
“Since we have no intention of using or retaining these funds for our operations, it’s only fair to promptly return them to our customers,” he said.
Under Article 7 of the Magna Carta for Residential Electricity Consumers, a customer who has paid his electric bills on or before the due date for three consecutive years may request a full refund of his deposit even before the termination of their service.
As expected, MORE Power is proactively reaching out to customers. Eligible customers are notified through a letter attached to their bills, eliminating the need for them to initiate the refund process.
“We consistently go the extra mile to inform eligible customers about the refund process,” said Castro.
Looking ahead, the company anticipates processing a total of P3.3-million bill deposit refunds to 777 customers by the end of this year. This approach ensures that all eligible customers receive the refunds they are entitled to.
These guys at MORE Power are taking customer service and relations to the next level and setting the standards along the way.
In fact, they’ve done things other than finding ways to bring power rates down and providing a steady and reliable power supply for “I Am Iloilo City”.
For instance, donating seeds to the Federation of Farmers of Iloilo City, setting up a Farmers Market patronizing local urban farmers produce and releasing fingerlings to restore Iloilo River’s ecological balance, improve fish variety and create a sustainable supply of aquatic food.
Indeed, well played, Nong Moroy./PN
