IT’S NOT OFTEN that one sees a company seriously doing its share of corporate responsibility and more as a corporate citizen of “I Am Iloilo City”. But sometimes the unexpected do happen, especially when it comes from an industry more associated with profit than public service.
For almost a century “I am Iloilo City” had been under the watch of a now defunct power utility provider that bled the natives dry with exorbitant power rates compounded with poor customer service/relations and non-existent corporate responsibility.
Of course, there’s always deliverance. Along comes MORE Electric and Power Corporation as the sole power service utility of Iloilo City and everything started to change for the better.
Let’s not elaborate anymore about the ongoing five-year development plan to improve the power distribution facilities, billions of pesos in capital expenditures, low/customer-friendly power rates, and the first ever power utility to actually refund half a million pesos – and counting – deposits to qualified customers in compliance to Article 7 of the Magna Carta for Residential Customers which mandates bill deposit refunds.
Rather, let’s talk about MORE Power’s corporate responsibility. Mind you, these are recent ones. Since Year One the company has never let up in doing its share and more of its responsibility as a good corporate citizen of “I Am Iloilo City”.
Just recently, MORE Power pioneered the first zero-emission and fully electric shuttle service.
Collaborating with SM City Iloilo, the service epitomizes MORE Power’s commitment to bring green technology to Iloilo as envisioned by Iloilo City mayor Jerry Treñas’ for a more resilient future for the Ilonggos.
The shuttle service’s initial route is from city hall to the Ceres North Bound Terminal, making stops at various SM locations from Monday to Saturday.
According to MORE Power president Roel Castro, the introduction of electric buses is to support the city’s sustainability goals and address the need for more eco-friendly transport alternatives.
MORE Power expects the arrival of two more electric bus units in October, with seven additional units scheduled to follow suit by year-end. Each e-bus represents an investment of approximately P4 to P4.5 million.
This means MORE Power is not only committed in supplying electricity but a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for Iloilo City, as well. It also exemplifies their role as a responsible corporate citizen invested in the city’s progress and well-being.
To enjoy a free ride, commuters just go designated pick-up points. To continue availing the free ride, passengers can download the GETPASS app on their phones from Sept. 25 to 30, create an account, join the organization “SM ILOILO Electric Bus”, acquire Membership Tokens (available after the free ride period ends on Oct. 1), and generate a QR code for scanning when boarding and disembarking the bus.
Moving on, on Sept. 19, 2023, MORE Power planted 200 mangrove trees and collected 50 sacks of garbage, including plastics, bottles, and cans, along the coast of Barangay Hinactacan, La Paz district.
Seventy-five volunteers, consisting of MORE Power employees and Guardians of the Environment, united for this early morning effort. This was in line with MORE Power’s partnership and commitment with the Iloilo City Environment and Natural Resources for environmental stewardship. Another example of how MORE Power fulfil its corporate social responsibility.
Finally, without much ado, as a result of their continuous search for better power rates in the open market, MORE Power was able to reduce once again power rates by P0.2701 per kWh.
This recent deduction brings the current power rate to P10.7139 per kWh for a typical household this September.
This latest round of decrease in power rates will be reflected in the September 18 to October 14, 2023 bill.
Not bad at all, in fact all very good. As usual, well played, Nong Moroy./PN
