MORE Power inks accord with ERC, Iloilo City gov’t on RE use

Razon-led MORE Electric and Power Corp. has signed a tripartite agreement with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and the city government of Iloilo for the promotion of renewable energy among consumers in the city.

The agreement allows MORE Power to establish a one-stop shop to offer renewable energy technologies such as Net-Metering and Distributed Energy Resources (DER), which would provide consumers with more choices for lowering energy consumption.

"One of the obligations under the agreement is to have a one-stop shop where applicants and interested parties can come. Our collaboration with the city government has been active for the past three years, and we warmly welcome the involvement of ERC. Being the first in the Visayas to enter into this agreement showcases our strong support for the government," said MORE Power president and CEO Roel Castro.

Castro said the agreement with ERC and the Iloilo City government also supports the national government’s thrust to contribute to the global commitments to lower greenhouse gas emissions by popularizing the use of renewable energy resources.

The ERC will provide the technical and regulatory expertise to streamline the documentary submission, installation, payment, and permitting processes of Net-Metering and DER.

Also, the ERC will support information drives to increase awareness of renewable energy among electricity consumers in Iloilo.

"We hope that other LGUs are similarly inspired to partner with national agencies to bring solutions closer to our people," said ERC chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta, noting that Iloilo City is the second pilot LGU for the ERC's Net-Metering and greater renewable energy program. 

As of June 2023, the ERC has issued certificates of compliance to 72 qualified end-used NET Metering programs in Iloilo with a total capacity of 985.37 kilowatt-peak.

"With this partnership, we aim to promote green practices, aligning with the national government’s targets. In Iloilo, our efforts include solar panels at the national high school, city hall, dialysis centers, and eye care facilities," said Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas.

Treñas said the partnership aims to facilitate collaboration opportunities to encourage the use of renewable energy in the locality, advance renewable energy development and deployment, and share best practices, knowledge, and information on the programs and policies that can help the consumers of Iloilo pursue renewable energy resources.

He said Net Metering and DER can also benefit the local economy by helping households and small businesses lower their energy consumption.  — VBL, GMA Integrated News