- GILBERT BAYORAN
MORE Power signed Aug. 3 a tripartite agreement with the Energy Regulatory Commission and the city government of Iloilo to promote renewable energy resources that will make electricity more affordable for consumers in Iloilo.
The agreement allows MORE Power to establish a one-stop-shop that offers renewable energy technologies, such as net metering and Distributed Energy Resources (DER), that will provide consumers with more choices to lower energy consumption.
In a statement, MORE Power president and chief executive officer Roel Castro said the agreement with ERC and Iloilo City supports the national government’s thrust to contribute to the global commitments of lowering greenhouse gas emissions by popularizing the use of renewable energy resources.
“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,” Castro added.
The ERC, according to MORE Power, will provide the technical and regulatory expertise to streamline the documentary submission, installation, payment and permitting processes of the Net-Metering and DER.
Also, the ERC will support information drive to increase awareness on renewable energy among the electricity consumers in Iloilo.
ERC chairperson and CEO Monalisa Dimalanta said Iloilo is the second pilot local government that partners with ERC for net-metering and greater renewable energy program.
“We hope that other LGUs are similarly inspired to partner with national agencies to bring solutions closer to our people,” Dimalanta added.
As of June 2023, the ERC has issued certificates of compliance to 72 qualified net metering program end-users 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.
He added that the partnership aims to facilitate collaboration and opportunities to encourage the use of renewable energy in the locality, advance RE development and deployment, and share best practices, knowledge and information on the programs and policies that can help the consumers of Iloilo pursue RE resources.
Treñas added that net metering and DER can also benefit the local economy by helping households and small businesses lower energy consumption./GB
