ILOILO CITY – Over 26,000 accounts connected to the Molo substation in Iloilo City can now rely on an improved and stable power supply following the energization of the newly-rehabilitated 25/30 megavolt-amperes (MVA) substation by More Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power). The rehabilitation marks a significant milestone in addressing power supply reliability in the area.
According to Philippines News Agency, the substation was previously overloaded, with outdated equipment and systems. The rehabilitation included the replacement of key components such as the control tower system and switchyard, allowing for remote operation from a control center. The 23-year-old transformer was also refurbished to operate like new. Castro noted that when MORE Power took over five years ago, the power system was operating at over 85 percent capacity, far exceeding the recommended 70 percent.
The Molo substation serves 26 percent of the over 100,000 accounts under MORE Power. Castro stated that due to increasing demand, particularly in residential areas, the company has plans to establish another substation in the Arevalo district by the first quarter of 2025. This will gradually transfer around 53 percent of the total accounts to the new substation, easing the load on the Molo facility.
Castro also revealed that rehabilitation of the Mandurriao substation is set to begin in the first quarter of next year, and additional substations have already been established in Megaworld and Diversion. The ongoing improvements are part of MORE Power’s five-year development plan aimed at enhancing the overall reliability and quality of electric service in the franchise area.