ILOILO CITY – More Electric and Power Corp. (MORE Power) has earmarked P2 billion for its activities covering its expanded franchise areas in the province of Iloilo.

MORE Power president Roel Castro, in a press conference on Friday, said the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) issued the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) two weeks ago for its expanded franchise areas in the second and fourth districts of Iloilo.

Castro said he will be discussing their plans with the local government units covered by the franchise areas.

While waiting for the CPCN, the utility firm is gradually erecting poles starting in the towns of Pavia, San Miguel and Sta. Barbara.

Castro also wrote Mayor Luigi Gorriceta of the town of Pavia for some clarification on the migration from the existing distribution utility to MORE Power to ensure the smooth and safe switching.

"This is the first time that this is being done in the Philippines, which is why there are no procedures yet," he said.

However, he said that they have already energized the application of the University of St. La Salle - Iloilo Campus in Barangay Maliao, Pavia, because it's a new connection.

For now, he said they are looking for other sites to put up their substations.