More applications for the net metering and lifeline rate programs are anticipated in Iloilo City following the pronouncement of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in his 4th State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.

“We are very pleased with the President’s recent State of the Nation Address, especially his inclusion of prioritizing the energy sector, and we support this move. Our vision at MORE Power aligns with the President’s plans for the country,” Roel Castro, president and chief executive officer of MORE Electric and Power Corp., said in a statement on Thursday.

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), back in 2023, signed a tripartite agreement with the power firm and the local government here to establish a satellite one-stop shop office in Iloilo City to consolidate the processing of net-metering and distributed energy resources (DER) applications.

The net-metering and DER program allows consumers to connect to a distribution utility and contribute to the renewable energy supply.

Net metering is open to households and businesses with solar renewable energy facilities with a capacity of less than 100 kilowatts (kW). DER, on the other hand, is open to large businesses with a capacity of more than 100 kW.

Their generated power will be used to offset their electricity consumption, which can help reduce their electric bill.

Currently, MORE Power has 491 net metering consumers and 34 applications in the process.

In June alone, the company used 237,780 kilowatt-hours (kWh) generated through the net metering program.

One of the earliest adopters of the net metering system is Iloilo City Hall, which applied for an initial 60-kW system in 2024.

Meanwhile, 5,610 consumers are beneficiaries of the Lifeline Rate program, and are expected to grow with the proposed expansion.

During his SONA, Marcos announced the inclusion of those in the Listahanan as among the Lifeline Rate beneficiaries to help reduce their expenses.

“The implementation of the Net Metering and Lifeline Program serves as a concrete step in attaining equitable and sustainable access to energy supply. Through these initiatives, MORE Power encourages active consumer participation while ensuring that marginalized sectors benefit from more affordable electricity and renewable energy, recognizing that access to energy is not merely a service but a right for communities,” Castro added.

The power utility, he said, has been investing in modern and advanced technologies to adopt solutions that enhance operational efficiency and reinforce service reliability. (PNA)