By Ramil H. Bajo
ILOILO CITY — MORE Electric Power Corporation, the exclusive electricity distributor for this city, has built a state-of-the-art substation at the core of Megaworld — the 72-hectare business district that provides stable and reliable power to the city’s fastest-growing commercial and economic hub.
Recognized as MORE Power’s flagship project, the Megaworld substation began operations in the first quarter of 2023. It has since become essential for the area, supplying stable electricity to thousands of offices, malls, hotels, BPO centers, and businesses that are driving the city’s development and economic growth.
With a capacity of 36 Megavolt-Amperes (MVA), the facility is fully equipped to meet all power demands of the business district, where operations and transactions depend heavily on reliable electricity. Beyond Megaworld, the substation also serves the 32-hectare Atria Park District in Mandurriao — home to residential towers, office buildings, outdoor shopping areas, and educational and medical institutions.
Engr. John Louie Capospos, MORE Power’s Technical Services Manager, explained that the Megaworld substation is linked to two separate power routes from the Molo and Mandurriao substations, ensuring maximum reliability. He explained that If one source is disrupted, power automatically switches to the other without causing blackouts — a critical requirement for businesses operating around the clock.
The facility is managed through a SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system, a centralized digital platform that allows remote monitoring, control, and real-time analysis of the distribution network.
“All operations can be handled remotely — no on-site personnel are needed,”Capospos told a group of General Santos and Sarangani-based reporters during a three-day tour of MORE Power’s facilities.
Capospos said a high-capacity mobile substation is also on standby at the site, ready to deploy instantly during emergencies or maintenance work.
Reports from two local newspapers in Iloilo City and Panay, namely Panay News and Daily Guardian, cited MORE Power President and CEO Roel Z. Castro emphasizing that the company’s infrastructure goes beyond basic functionality as cable and wires.
“We built this not just to supply electricity, but to fuel confidence,” Castro said. “Investors choose Iloilo because they know power here is reliable, modern, and capable of growing with them. This substation does exactly that — it proves we are ready to support expansion, big or small, anytime.”
Additionally, the said local newspapers acknowledged that business owners and residents have distinctly observed the positive changes, expressing strong trust in MORE Power’s capability to deliver efficient, reliable, and affordable electricity.
Local reports further revealed that business leaders in Iloilo have welcomed MORE Power’s presence and operations, noting that the Megaworld substation has significantly enhanced the city’s reputation as a “top investment destination.”
MORE Power became the exclusive power distributor in Iloilo City in February 2020. It assumed the franchise following the signing of Republic Act No. 11212, replacing the previous provider, Panay Electric Company (PECO). ###