ILOILO CITY – The sole electricity distributor in Iloilo City has introduced its first fully unmanned substation, a landmark initiative in the energy sector in Western Visayas.

More Electric and Power Corp. (MORE Power), in a news release on Monday, said the 30 megavolt-ampere substation is remotely controlled from its control center via an advanced Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system.

“Fully automated, it is operated and managed entirely from the center, with real-time data delivering all essential information. The state-of-the-art design allows monitoring of load flow, voltage levels, and equipment conditions without on-site human supervision,” it said.

Expanding SCADA systems and intelligent electronic devices are key components of the power utility's five-year development plan and grid modernization efforts.

MORE Power System Planning and Design manager Wilmar Gonzaludo attributed the success to “long and meticulous planning, plus a deep understanding of the system that Iloilo consumers need.”

Substation project manager Mark Anthony Molano emphasized strengthening the distribution system’s foundation to better serve consumers, particularly during peak demand.

“In other places, SCADA and automation are already in use. Advanced technology exists, so why not leverage it, especially with MORE Power here to deliver the same high-quality services to consumers?” he said.

MORE Power also assured tight security, with guards around the substations and vital installations amid surging electricity needs driven by Iloilo City and the province's economic growth. (PNA)