ILOILO CITY — More than 2,000 households in four island barangays in northern Iloilo now enjoy 24/7 electricity following the completion of a P150-million power interconnection project, ending decades of limited and unreliable service.

The Iloilo Electric Cooperative III (ILECO III) announced the completion and energization of the Concepcion-to-Islands Interconnection Overhead Extension of Lines Project, which connects the mainland distribution grid to the islands of Tago, Tambaliza, Naborot, Bago Ese and Botlog.

The project provides round-the-clock electricity to the island barangays of Tambaliza, Taloto-an, Macatunao and Naborot in the municipalities of Concepcion and San Dionisio.

ILECO III general manager Atty. James Balsomo III described the project as the realization of a long-awaited dream for thousands of island residents who had lived for decades without dependable electricity.

“For many years, these island communities were deprived of the benefits of modern economic development because of the lack of reliable power. Today, that dream has finally become a reality,” Balsomo said.

He credited the project’s completion to the combined efforts of the ILECO III board, management and employees, national and local government officials, barangay leaders, stakeholders, land donors and residents of the beneficiary communities.

Balsomo also thanked the national government, particularly Department of Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin and National Electrification Administration Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda, for approving and funding the project.

He likewise acknowledged the support of Fifth District Rep. Binky April Tupas, former Rep. Raul Tupas, the local governments of Concepcion and San Dionisio, barangay officials and community stakeholders.