ILOILO City – This city’s sole power distributor acknowledged the clamor of nearby towns to have cheaper power just like here.
“We need to study that. We have to look at the impact sa rate sa mga pumoluyo,” according to Roel Castro, president and chief executive officer of MORE Electric and Power Corp. (MORE Power).
The Sangguniang Bayan (SB) of Pavia, Iloilo unanimously passed a resolution seeking affordable electricity for the municipality and pressed for the exploration of the possibility of MORE Power extending its service to the town.
“Siguro after we do our economic study mapapakita din natin na kaya natin ibaba ‘yung presyo sa nearby municipalities,” said Castro.
Pavia is being served by Iloilo Electric Cooperative 1 (ILECO 1) whose current rate is P10.90 per kilowatt hour.
MORE Power, on the other hand, has a rate of P6.45 per kilowatt hour.
A decrease in the cost of electricity would be “a big relief in this time of pandemic,” said SB member Daniel S. Fajardo II of Pavia.
He suggested that Pavia – which is roughly just 9.6 kilometers from Iloilo City – start looking into the possibility of being made a part of MORE Power’s frachise area.
Castro, meanwhile, also addressed doubts that MORE Power may not be able to sustain its low rates. He said while prices of electricity indeed fluctuate, his company is keen on keeping its base price comparatively lower than those of other power distribution utilities.
“Even if magtaas man lahat tayo, we will keep (our rate as) the lowest among sa nagtaas,” said Castro.
Just this July, the rate of electricity in Iloilo City was reduced from P10 per kilowatt hour to P6.45 per kilowatt hour.
Castro said the low rate will be for six months.
“We already conducted a competitive selection process (CSP). Ongoing pa ang negotiation natin ngayon (with other power generators) but I could already say that the base price of the CSP is one of the lowest in the Philippines,” Castro said.
MORE Power’s supply requirement is around 110 to 120 megawatts. So far, 45 megawatts of this was entered into a CSP.
Castro said they understand the skepticism of others who say MORE Power might not be able to sustain the low rate.
“In fact, we are challenged,” said Castro. “Just look at our track record, what we have done. I don’t want to brag but what we have achieved since we took over a year and a half ago speaks about our sincerity. Intention talaga namin to bring better service and lower the rate./PN