More Power fully energizes its 10MVA mobile substation in Iloilo

Iloilo City electric provider More Electric and Power Corp. (More Power) on Sunday fully energized its 10MVA mobile substation at Iloilo Business Park in Megaworld, Mandurriao.

According to tycoon Enrique Razon Jr., chairman and president of More Power, the energization of the mobile substation will contribute to the improvement of the city’s power sector.

“The 10MVA mobile substation is not only a behemoth power-provider on wheels, it is also the answer to the ever-present danger of overloading of the Mandurriao substation,” he said during the event.

In October, the power firm received backlash from electric consumers after the scheduled brownout — supposedly only from 4 a.m. to 5 p.m. —  lasted 13 hours.

According to More Power, the scheduled brownout was part of its preventive maintenance on all its five substations. The firm clarified that it had warned of the Mandurriao substation working at critical levels reaching up to 90 to 95 percent.

The firm said that the recently energized mobile substation would prevent overloading in the Mandurriao substation. It is also expected to reduce the substation’s performance at a safer 70 percent capacity.

“The mobile substation will increase the capacity of the Megaworld area – one of Iloilo’s fastest-growing areas — by 6-8 megawatts. Moreover, it will decongest the Mandurriao substation, whose usage has gone beyond safe levels, and will result in fewer outages,” Razon said.

He also noted that the powering of the mobile station is the firm’s “first major step towards doubling Iloilo City’s power capacity within the next five years.”

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi meanwhile lauded the inauguration of the mobile station. He also assured that the Department of Energy (DOE) will cooperate with the firm in improving the energy distribution in the city.

“We aspire that the inauguration of your new mobile substation serves as another opportunity to calibrate your strategies towards a better served Iloilo City. Rest assured that DOE is always your partner in the energy distribution development. You can always count on our support in your future endeavors,” said Cusi.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas added that the 10MVA substation will also serve as “breathing space” for both Mandurriao and Molo substations.

“We are grateful for MORE Power’s dedication to provide the best quality of service for the Ilonggos. Let us continue to be more understanding, and soon, Iloilo City will have the best supply of electricity for all,” he said.

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