Powering Iloilo’s Future: How MORE Power’s Smart Technologies Deliver Reliable Electricity

MORE Power is powering up Iloilo with next-level upgrades through rolling out advanced substations, enhanced feeder systems and intelligent automation that are transforming the way electricity is delivered. These modernization efforts are not just technical improvements, they’re game-changers that strengthen the entire distribution network, making it more resilient, stable and ready to meet growing demands.

With smart technologies in place, faults can now be detected in real time, allowing for faster isolation and quicker restoration of power. This means outages are addressed almost as soon as they happen, minimizing disruptions to homes and businesses. At the same time, proactive maintenance strategies help identify and fix potential issues before they escalate, keeping the system running smoothly behind the scenes.

The result? Fewer interruptions, shorter outage durations and a consistently reliable power supply that Iloilo consumers can count on.

Below are key equipment, facilities and technologies and their critical roles in modern power distribution in Iloilo City:

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) 

A centralized digital control system capable of monitoring the entire distribution network in real time. SCADA allows operators to remotely control switches and turn breakers on or off, transfer loads, balance feeders. This capability enables faster fault isolation and restoration, significantly reducing downtime during outages. Monitoring of substation parameters can be downloaded automatically in real time at the main Control Center. 

Digital Microprocessor Relay (Substation Protection Relay) 

Intelligent protection devices installed in substations to continuously monitor electrical parameters such as current, voltage, frequency, and power flow. These relays automatically detect abnormal conditions—such as short circuits, overloads, or equipment faults—and instantly send trip signals to circuit breakers to isolate the affected section of the network. These are connected to the SCADA system via Fiber Optics Cables (FOC) or thru a Point-to-point (P2P) radio communication for automation. 

Mobile Substation 

A transportable substation unit capable of temporarily supplying electricity to affected feeders. This is useful especially during substation rehabilitation, transformer replacement, or emergency situations. Mobile substations ensure that customers continue to receive power while permanent facilities are being repaired or being upgraded.

Automatic Circuit Reclosers (ACR)

Smart protective devices that act as a circuit breaker installed along distribution lines that automatically open to isolate and close to re-energize the downstream feeder lines within seconds after a temporary or transient fault occurs. Since many power interruptions are caused by momentary disturbances such as animal intrusions or branches touching the lines, reclosers can restore service automatically without requiring manual intervention. 

Thermal Scanners (Camera and Drone-Based Inspection) 

Advanced inspection tools that detect the thermal condition of components such as conductors, terminals, and pin insulators before they fail. By identifying potential problems early, utilities can conduct preventive maintenance and avoid major outages caused by equipment failure.

Looping System (Looped Distribution Network) 

A network configuration where feeders are interconnected, allowing electricity to be rerouted from an alternate source when a fault occurs. This system provides operational flexibility and enables utilities to isolate damaged sections while restoring power to unaffected areas quickly. 

Load Break Switches (LBS) 

Strategically installed switches that allow sections of the distribution line to be safely opened or closed even while carrying load. These switches enable operators to isolate faulted areas, load transfers and paralleling of feeders without shutting down entire feeders, allowing faster restoration of power to most consumers.

Tree Wires (Covered Conductors) 

Special insulated or covered conductors designed to minimize faults caused by vegetation contact. Tree wires significantly reduce outages in areas with dense vegetation by preventing short circuits when branches or any foreign objects touching the lines.

Bringing it all together, these cutting-edge technologies reinforce the strength and resilience of MORE Power’s distribution system while creating a smarter, more responsive network built for today’s energy demands. With the ability to detect faults in real time, isolate affected areas with precision and restore electricity at remarkable speed, the utility ensures that disruptions are minimized and service is quickly brought back online.

Beyond rapid response, these innovations drive a proactive approach to maintenance and operational flexibility while helping prevent issues before they happen while keeping the entire system running at peak performance. The result is a healthier, more reliable and highly efficient power distribution network that Iloilo consumers can depend on every day.

Powering this transformation is a strong foundation. MORE Power is a sister company of Ignite Power, a joint venture between MP Holdings of former Senator Manny Pacquiao and Primelectric Holdings of Enrique K. Razon working together to deliver innovative, world-class energy solutions for the future.