Iloilo consumers elevate appeal to President Duterte and Supreme Court

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MORE POWER,  electricity service provider, wallops Iloilo with double whammy of brownouts, bill shocks

MORE Electric and Power Corporation has been pummeling Iloilo City consumers with double whammy of persistent brownouts and soaring electricity bills, hence, they are now pleading for urgent action and attention from President Rodrigo Duterte himself.

The Iloilo consumers are also elevating their hue and cry to the Supreme Court, which is the ultimate judicial body that could resolve the ownership of the power utility that could end their dilemmas of never-ending service interruptions and electric bills that have doubled and with errors yet without explanation being offered by MORE Power to the affected customers.

Ruperto Supena, chairman of the Koalisyon Bantay Kuryente (KBK) in Iloilo City, has raised emotionally during the recently held webinar press conference and said, 

“Iloilo is dying and needs the help of President Duterte and the Supreme Court. The lights are out in Iloilo because of MORE Power. Their long and frequent brownouts are killing our businesses and livelihoods, and they are disrupting our essential medical services.” 

Supena stressed  “most especially, we need the President to intervene, so he can keep a watchful eye on those who would exploit us.”

KBK Coordinator Jose Allen Aquino reiterated their plea to Congress on immediate investigation of the brownouts in the area, as they vowed on hastening information gathering and collating all consumer-complaints that will then be submitted as evidence and basis of the probes that shall be done at the legislative branch.

Supena also called on Congress to review the franchise granted to MORE Power, stressing that “there is still time for Congress to change its mind on granting that franchise to MORE given the technical incompetence they have been exhibiting in their provision of service to Iloilo consumers.”

He further appealed to the other national government agencies, including the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) for serious and immediate action, as he emphasized that while the plight of the customers of Manila Electric Company (Meralco) are given paramount attention, the uproar of Iloilo City consumers seems continually falling on deaf ears.

“Meralco is being investigated by the government, so why is our situation not being looked into?” he asked; while he reiterated that “we need the Supreme Court to settle this matter, and for the DOE and the ERC to step in and make sure we are no longer abused by lack of service.”

In a recent Council meeting, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas forthrightly told MORE Power President Roel Castro that “the people of Iloilo deserve more, and MORE Power promised “more”; and we are still waiting for MORE to give us the “more.”

Iloilo City Councilor Alan Zaldivar, for his part, has castigated Castro, telling him that: “our clear message to MORE is that, you are not ready to give quality service to Iloilo City.”

Another City Councilor Ely Estante had also given the chief executive of MORE Power a dressing down, stressing that “mas mayo tani nagbakal na lang sila sang ila facilities, other than e-expropriate mo kag kwaon ang facilities ng PECO (Panay Electric Company), dapat kuntani hindi pa sila magastusan sang todo for the repair.” (Mas mabuti sana kung bumili na lang sila ng kanilang facilities kesa e-expropriate pa nila ‘yong mga facilities ng PECO, di pa sana sila gumastos ng todo para sa repair).

Councilor Ed Peñaredondo further urged MORE Power to commit what it can do soonest to improve power supply in the area, since this is already turning out to be a major dilemma in attracting investors in Iloilo City.

“Power supply is very bad. Water, power, infrastructure – roads and bridges, then good governance. But number one is: water and power should perform. Sometimes you meet the supply requirements, sometimes you do not supply. So, if that is the case, we cannot convince our investors to come over,” the city councilor pointed out.

Based on data logs, it was noted that the frequency of brownouts caused by MORE Power already totaled 326 hours since it took over power distribution in Iloilo City in February until end-June this year.

Mikel Afzelius, corporate communications and external affairs officer of PECO, said “there have been a total of 326 hours when Iloilo had been plunged into darkness. We have to let that sink in – 326 hours of suffering of our people. That already doubled the outage duration when compared to PECO within the same timeline last year.”

He noted in particular that “the 13-hour, more or less, power outage that happened on June 20 in Mandurriao, based on the information from MORE itself, is something that could have been fixed in around one hour at most.”

SC Shuts Down Razon Takeover Bid of Iloilo Power Firm

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The Supreme Court (SC) shut down the efforts of MORE Electric and Power Corp. (MORE), owned by businessman Ricky Razon, to expropriate the power distribution assets of Panay Electric Company (PECO) in Iloilo.

In a RESOLUTION (GR NO 248061) DATED 14 AUGUST 2019, the SC denied MORE’s prayer for an issuance of a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) and/or writ of preliminary injunction against a previous Mandaluyong Regional Trial Court resolution that declared that the Razon-owned MORE’s expropriation and takeover of rival PECO’s electric distribution assets unconstitutional.

Republic Act 11212 granted MORE the franchise to distribute power in Iloilo City. Under Sections 10 and 17 of RA 11212, MORE is authorized to exercise the power of eminent domain over all the distribution assets and properties of PECO in the franchise area.

The Mandaluyong RTC, however, declared Sections 10 and 17 of RA 11212 void and unconstitutional for infringing on PECO’s rights to due process and equal protection of the law. The RTC also declared, “Consequently, PECO has no obligation to sell and MORE has no right to expropriate PECO’s assets under Sections 10 and 17 of RA 11212; and, PECO’s rights to its properties are protected against arbitrary and confiscatory taking under the relevant portions of Sections 10 and 17 of RA 11212.” See Mandaluyong Judgment.

When MORE appealed the Mandaluyong judgment to the Supreme Court, it asked for a TRO to enable it to proceed with the expropriation. Razon’s power firm is running against a two-year deadline under its franchise to begin operating, otherwise its franchise will be deemed automatically revoked.

With the SC’s denial of the TRO, MORE is prevented from proceeding with the expropriation while it is deciding whether to affirm the declaration of unconstitutionality by the Mandaluyong court.

Meanwhile, the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) issued by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) last May 21 allows PECO to continue to operate the distribution system until the establishment or acquisition by the grantee MORE of its own distribution system and its complete transition toward full operations, which will not exceed two years from the grant of the legislative franchise.

PECO Administrative Manager Marcelo Cacho

“Any expropriation efforts by Razon’s MORE has been disallowed by the Supreme Court and if they’re truly serious to serve the people of Iloilo, they will do what it takes to invest and do what Pres. Duterte has called on all businesses: BUILD, BUILD, BUILD, and not TAKE, TAKE, TAKE. And quoting the president himself: Wag mag-agaw ng negosyo,” PECO Administrative Manager Marcelo Cacho said in a press briefing.

In a separate RESOLUTION (GR NO 248061) DATED 02 SEPTEMBER 2019, the Supreme Court declared MORE’s conduct of “vigorously pursuing the expropriation case while appealing at the same time the judgment of the Mandaluyong RTC” as constituting “an insidious form of forum-shopping, both direct and indirect contempt.” The SC then resolved to require MORE and Judge Yvette Go of the Iloilo City RTC to file comment regarding this.

“Panay Electric Company has been serving Iloilo for the last 95 years. We would like to believe that in that span of time, we have been a major part of Iloilo’s journey towards development and economic prosperity,” Cacho noted.

“We will ensure that as we do the right thing—and we enjoin Ricky Razon’s MORE to also do the right thing—we will strengthen our resolve to continue serving and finding the best energy solutions for the people of Iloilo while abiding by whatever decision the Supreme Court hands down,” Cacho stressed.

Solar energy use for homes, businesses get boost in form of financing options

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A media forum dubbed as "Usapang Maliwanag: Financing Solar Energy for Houses and Businesses" was held recently is part of the Solar Rooftop Challenge, which highlights the benefits of using solar energy while busting misconceptions that hinder individuals and companies from taking it up.

It showcases existing solar rooftop installations of urban middle class households, celebrities, churches, schools, government buildings and private establishments, as well as empowering stories of people who have joined the solar rooftop revolution in the country.

Proving that solar energy is accessible to common Filipinos, Greenpeace Philippines gathered financing institutions and solar providers to connect energy consumers to easy financing options available in the market and help increase solar energy use in homes and businesses.

Photo opportunity for the panelists of Solar Energy forum at the Kamuning Bakery Cafe, on Wednesday, August 17, 2016, left to right: Moderator Wilson Lee Flores of Philippines Star, Julius Respicio of BPI, Yeb Saño, Executive Director for Southeast Asia GreenPeace, Voltire Tupaz, Head of Sales , Solar Philippines, and Mike de Guzman, President of Solaric Philippines. ©Greenpeace 

Availing of financing packages spreads the initial costs in putting up solar installations over the long term while already generating savings on electricity costs.

In particularly, Solar rooftops can create huge impacts in lowering monthly electricity bills and the growing availability of financial assistance for those who want to avail of solar installations is a great opportunity to harness the power of the sun and break away from our dependence on fossil fuel generated electricity, like coal.

"Now is the best time to switch on the power of renewables for each home and business to be at the forefront of our fight against catastrophic climate change. The call for the uptake of solar energy is not an empty appeal to each individual's altruism but, as we are attesting today, incentives await in the form of cheap and reliable energy. Financial solutions are widely available from many institutions, and after today, we are expecting more. For both homes and businesses, renewable energy is the way to go," said YebSaño, Executive Director of Greenpeace Southeast Asia.

At present, the Philippines produces 29 percent of its electricity through renewable sources, with the Department of Energy looking to raise it to 40 percent by 2020. The mainstream adoption of renewable energy will result in creation of jobs and lower power generation costs that allow households to return the difference in savings to their budgets.

"It is important to note that while large-scale solar power plants are being constructed and going online in the Philippines, there is still a huge amount of solar energy potential that remains untapped. This is where solar rooftop installations on homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses can complete the picture of a country like the Philippines moving towards a higher share of renewable energy in its power generation mix. The energy revolution will happen right on the rooftops of Filipinos' homes," said Reuben Muni, Climate and Energy Campaigner of Greenpeace Southeast Asia Philippines.

Muni also called for a more robust participation of both the government and business sector to further push the growth and development of renewable energy in the country.

“A strong relationship between the public and private institutions, as well as progressive legislations, should boost our transition to renewable energy. It encouragesand provides incentives to more people and businesses who opt to use the technology,” Muni added.

Greenpeace Philippines is joined by speakers from Home Development Mutual Fund (PAG IBIG Fund), who discussed how its members can avail of their Home Improvement Loan, which can cover the cost of purchase and installation of solar panels. Also in the forum are Solaric Philippines, Solar Philippines and Bank of the Philippine Islands.

Journalist, columnist and owner of the Kamuning Bakery Café, where the media forum was held, Wilson Lee Flores, also shared how his decision to use hybrid or partly solar-powered air-conditioning system in the 77-year-old café drastically lowered his monthly electricity bills.

Meralco Advisory celebrates its third year of empowering the franchise customer

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Hitting its third year of airing this month, Meralco Advisory has fast become the customers’ main source of information on power-related issues, including rates movement and energy efficiency tips. 

Meralco Advisory is a monthly material released to the public through TV, radio, and digital platforms which aims to educate and uplift consumers’ lives with updates on rates, as well as news on the company. As seen in the photo, Meralco Spokesman Joe Zaldarriaga and Maita David of Customer Retail Services go on air every month to explain the power supply chain and provide various energy efficiency, safety, and customer service reminders useful in a consumer’s everyday life. 

To watch Meralco Advisory online, visit the Meralco Facebook page @meralco or Meralco’s YouTube channel meralcoph.

Good news from Meralco: Lower energy rates this June!

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Typhoon season is upon us, but don’t expect sweater or blanket weather soon. It’s still hot and humid! What’s hotter is Meralco’s good news: lower electricity rates this June!

The country’s largest power distributor has announced that residential rates would go down by around Php 0.13 per kWh this month. Meralco says the rate reduction is due to lower generation charges, which is the cost of producing electricity collected by Meralco in behalf of generation companies. In fact, this June’s generation charge is the lowest since October 2004.

Aside from the reduced generation charge, taxes and other charges were also lower at Php 0.033 per kWh. Meralco’s distribution, supply, and metering charges have remained unchanged for nearly a year now. 

For an average Filipino household consuming around 200 kWh every month, the new rates mean a reduction of around Php 25 in their June bill.

Meanwhile, typhoon season also brings floods to many areas in Metro Manila. We can avoid accidents at home by keeping in mind these safety reminders from Meralco:

·      Turn off the circuit breaker or main power switch when it’s starting to flood.

·      Unscrew the light bulbs and unplug appliances.

·      When cleaning your circuit breaker, fuse and main power switch, wear rubber gloves and rubber-soled shoes to prevent electrocution.

·      Always hire a licensed electrician to check the electrical wiring. Don’t do it on your own!

·      Bring in your flood-submerged appliances to a professional before turning them on or using them again.

For more Meralco safety tips or if you have any questions, just visit the website www.meralco.com.ph, or follow them on Twitter (@meralco) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/meralco). You may also call the Meralco 24-hour Call Center at 16211.

Power rates down this month

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Lower spot market charges and cheaper fuel prices lead to generation charge reduction

OVERALL DECREASE MAY 2015 05.05.15 – May 2015 overall rate decrease infographic

The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) said that overall rates went down by PhP 0.70 per kilowatthour (kWh) this May. Said decrease is due to lower generation costs from all power suppliers of Meralco. 

For a typical household consuming 200 kWh, the overall electricity bill will go down by PhP 140. At PhP 9.98 per kWh, this month’s rate is lower by PhP 1.46 compared to May 2014’s PhP 11.44 per kWh.

Lower generation costs from all suppliers

Generation charge decreased by PhP 0.60 per kWh from PhP 5.41 per kWh in April to PhP 4.81 per kWh this month. The reduction was mainly driven by lower charges from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) and Independent Power Producers (IPPs), as well as a reduction in the National Power Corporation’s (NPC’s) Generation Rate Adjustment Mechanism (GRAM) collections. 

Cost of power obtained from the WESM decreased by PhP 4.19 per kWh due to less occurrences and shorter duration of power plant outages. The Luzon Grid remained on “normal” state throughout the period of the Malampaya shutdown.

Meanwhile, average cost of the Independent Power Producers (IPP) was lower by PhP 0.75 per kWh due to the improved utilization level of the QPPL power plant and cheaper fuel prices obtained by the First Gas plants. The effect of the Malampaya shutdown was moderated by lower prices of condensate and natural gas in the April supply month versus March. Malampaya natural gas underwent its quarterly repricing to reflect the lower cost of fuel. From $10.39 per gigajoule (GJ) the previous period, price of natural gas has been reduced by 19% to $8.44 per GJ. 

Average rates of plants under the Power Supply Agreements (PSAs) also decreased this month by PhP 0.06 per kWh. Finally, NPC’s collections of its GRAM similarly went down by PhP 0.06 per kWh.

The share of IPPs, PSAs, and WESM to Meralco’s total power requirements stood at 47, 43, and 10 percent respectively.

Adjustments in other bill components

In addition to the generation charge, taxes and other charges registered reductions of PhP 0.07 and PhP 0.08 per kWh, respectively. These offset a PhP 0.05 per kWh increase in the transmission charge.

Meralco reiterated that it does not earn from the pass-through charges, such as the generation and transmission charges. Payment for the generation charge goes to the power suppliers, while payment for the transmission charge goes to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP). Of the total bill, only the distribution, supply, and metering charges accrue to Meralco.

Meralco’s distribution charge has not registered any adjustment and has remained at the same level for 10 months now or since July 2014.

RATES INFOGRAPHIC MAY 2015 05.05.15 – May 2015 overall rate decrease breakdown inforgraphic

Meralco supports Electrical Safety Month

Meralco also reminded its customers to observe electrical safety in line with its initiatives to support Electrical Safety Month.

The government has declared the month of May of every year as Electrical Safety Month. Meralco said it fully supports initiatives that raise public awareness and educate electricity consumers on the proper use of electrical appliances and gadgets so as to prevent and avoid electricity-related accidents.

Changes in Residential Bill 1 – Changes in residential bills, April vs. May 2015

For more electrical safety tips, customers may visit www.meralco.com.ph. 

They may also access Meralco’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/meralco) and Twitter account (@meralco).

MeralcO Virtual Engine (MoVE) app for better and effective bill management

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Do you measure the exact cost of the electricity being consumed by your appliances, television, DVD players, air-conditioner, washing machines, and other appliances? Appliances consume electricity, even on standby mode.

Knowing that people are more conscious of their electricity usage nowadays, Meralco developed this app to make managing consumers’ electricity spending better.

Meralco has launched its MeralcO Virtual Engine (MoVE), an iOS and Android-friendly app that allows consumers to have more power over their monthly electric bill.

One of the key features allows users to compute their power consumption based on their appliances’ cost per hour and length of use per day and week.

Last July 30, 2014, I was invited by Meralco for a bloggers night held at The Lighthouse, Lopez Building, Meralco Compound. Meralco introduces us the new MoVE app for better and effective bill management Meralco presented us how to use the MoVE.

The MoVE app also gives users electricity-saving tips, Meralco news updates, and more.

This is the full list of features:

1. Usage - tracks your electrical consumption in real time, by adding your appliances and switch them on and off in the app as you would use them at home.

2. Calculator - lets you forecast the electrical consumption when buying an appliance or simply know how much an appliance costs to operate.

3. Directory - easily find the Meralco branch or Bayad Center nearest you.

4. Information - notifications on power interruptions, scheduled maintenance or Meralco events.

5. Bright Ideas - helpful tips for your home on how to conserve electricity

6. E-Bill - delivers your Meralco bill online for convenience

To help promote the launch of the MoVE app, Meralco introduced horoscope videos starring comedienne Giselle Sanchez.

She plays Madame Giselle, a fortune teller who identifies the electricity-wasting bad habits of each Zodiac sign and gives advice on how the MoVE app can help them. Watch the videos on Meralco’s YouTube channel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8TQSxlEpdQ&list=UUykLu5F8RyxSchZ37KeH2Mw&index=5

Get to know the helpful features in the new and improved MoVE app.

Monitor the power consumption of multiple appliances in real time with the USAGE function. Download MoVE now and register your account for the full MoVE experience! 

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.meralco.phone.move&hl=en

iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/ph/app/meralco-virtual-engine-move/id546535540?mt=8

The MoVE app is available for free, on both the App Store and Google Play. For details, visit meralco.com.ph.