By Francis Allan L. Angelo
After all said and done, More Electric and Power Company (MORE Power) said the only truth is this: it is now the legitimate power distributor in Iloilo City.
MORE Power also told its rival firm Panay Electric Co. (PECO) to avoid misleading the public on the issue of its provisional Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).
The Enrique Razon-led firm again stressed that the ERC has already granted its provisional Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) on March 5, 2020.
Through the agency’s official website, ERC Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Agnes VST Devanadera emphasized that, “The Commission issued the Provisional Authority (PA) (to MORE Power) to protect consumer’s interest by ensuring uninterrupted electric service to consumers in Iloilo City and prevent chaos and confusion among said customers as to who is authorized to operate the distribution system in the area.”
The granting of the PA to MORE Power has effectively revoked the provisional CPCN that the ERC granted to PECO, the former electric power franchisee in Iloilo City.
Devanadera also stated that with the ERC’s issuance of the PA to MORE, “it is clear that MORE Power is the bona fide and legitimate distribution utility (DU) in Iloilo City. As such, MORE Power is authorized to implement the last approved distribution charges for the Iloilo consumers.”
On March 16, the ERC released a copy of an 18-page order on MORE Power’s CPCN which was unanimously signed by three commissioners and Chairman Devanadera herself.
The ERC order states that:
“PECO has been claiming that MORE has expropriated only a portion of its distribution assets. PECO has also been publicly stating that it is still operating as the DU in Iloilo City, and telling consumers therein that they should continue to pay their electric bills to PECO. These claims on the part of PECO have sown confusion among consumers and these could lead to dangerous situations. PAYING TO THE WRONG ENTITY COULD CREATE LEGAL PROBLEMS FOR THE CONSUMERS while consulting the wrong personnel to address electricity concerns could pose serious threats to their safety.
“The Commission must protect Iloilo City’s consumers from power interruptions, confusions and possible chaos that may arise should possession and control of the distribution assets be lodge in the entity and yet the operation and control is lodged in another”
“WHEREFORE, mindful of its mandates to protect consumer interest, ensure uninterrupted electric service to consumers in Iloilo City, prevent chaos and confusion and promote order, the Commission hereby RESOLVES TO ADOPT the following resolutions:
- REVOKE the provisional CPCN issued to PECO after determining that MORE has established or acquired its own distribution system and verified MORE’s complete transition to full operations;
- Issue a Provisional Authority, pursuant to Sec. 8 of EO 172, authorizing MORE to operate the distribution network;
- Authorize MORE to implement the last approved distribution charges of PECO; and
- Require MORE to source and procure its power requirements in accordance with Section 5 of RA 11212. While MORE is unable to secure the Certificate of Exemption from the Department of Energy (DOE) necessary to enter into emergency power supply agreements, it shall source its power requirements from the current power generation suppliers of PECO.
‘IT’S IN OUR HANDS’
“Now, who’s lying?” asked MORE Power President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) Roel Z. Castro.
Casro said Devanadera’s statements posted on the ERC website are clear and beyond question.
“MORE Power,” Castro said, “cannot and will not lie. We adhere to our principle of being a transparent, honest, and reliable service provider no matter what legal battles we may be facing. In fact, this is merely an affirmation of what we have previously declared, the CPCN is now in our hands!”
“And such is a tangible proof that we are the legitimate and sole power distributor in Iloilo City. I do hope that Ilonggo power consumers will not be fooled or misled by wrong information peddled by some ‘instigators’ whose mission is to sow intrigues and lies,” he added.
As to the claim of PECO that the legal battle is not yet over as it is exhausting all legal remedies to regain control of its properties, Castro said, “It is clear that they do not have a franchise and now their Provisional CPCN has been revoked. “
“Such is their right and we respect it, the same way we ask that they respect the orders of the tribunals. But as far as MORE Power is concerned, everything we do is always anchored on the truth.”
MORE Power is a corporation bound to do and adhere to what is right, what is legal, what is just, Castro said.
