As the Philippines confronts surging energy demands and the urgent threat of climate change, MORE Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power) is poised to play a key role in realizing President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s bold push for renewable energy.
In line with the President’s recent State of the Nation Address (SONA), the Iloilo-based utility is preparing for an expanded rollout of lifeline electricity rates and a surge in net metering applications—initiatives that aim to make clean, affordable energy more accessible to Filipino households.
In his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Marcos announced that by the end of 2028, an additional one million households will be powered through solar home systems. To help beneficiaries maximize the use of the energy they generate, the Department of Energy (DOE) will speed up the implementation of a net metering program.
“Para lalo pang makatipid ang ating kababayan at maipagbili ang sobrang kuryente nila, isusulong na ng Department of Energy ang Net Metering program. At pabibilisin din ng ERC ang proseso ng pag-apruba nito,” President Marcos stated.
The President also announced an expansion of the Lifeline rate coverage. Apart from the existing beneficiaries who are members of the 4Ps program, households with minimum income levels and monthly consumption not exceeding the lifeline threshold will now be included.
In 2023, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) established a satellite office in Iloilo City as agreed in the signed tripartite Memorandum of Agreement with the Iloilo City Government and MORE Power for more efficient processing of net metering applications. Currently, MORE Power has 491 net metering consumers, with 34 applications in the process.
For June alone, the company utilized 237,780 kWh generated through the net metering program.
“We are very pleased with the president’s recent State of the Nation Address, especially his inclusion of prioritizing the energy sector and we support this move. Our vision at MORE Power aligns with the President’s plans for the country,” said Mr. Roel Castro, MORE Power President and CEO.
One of the earliest adopters of the net metering system is Iloilo City Hall, which applied for an initial 60-kilowatt system in 2024.
Regarding the expanded lifeline coverage, MORE Power welcomes the move, recognizing that it will open opportunities for deserving consumers who fall within the marginalized sector, regardless of their monthly consumption.
The company currently has 5610 lifeline beneficiaries and expects the number to grow following the expansion.
“The implementation of the Net Metering and Lifeline Program serves as a concrete step in attaining equitable and sustainable access to energy supply. Through these initiatives, MORE Power encourages active consumer participation while ensuring that marginalized sectors benefit from more affordable electricity and renewable energy, recognizing that the access to energy is not merely a service but a right for communities,” Mr. Castro added.
These program implementations highlight MORE Power’s ongoing commitment to the Ilonggo community, supporting the city’s development and improving residents’ quality of life.
“At MORE Power, we hold true to our mission of providing full support for programs and innovations that promote stable and secure access to energy,” Castro emphasized. “We are investing in modern and advanced technologies to adopt solutions that enhance operational efficiency and reinforce service reliability.”
