In 1908, Nichols sold the Iloilo Light Company to fellow Americans and electrical engineers Albert Bryan and Robert Landon.

[5] In April 1922, PECO became the majority owner of the Iloilo Light Company by purchasing three-fourths of the firm, thereby operating the power distribution system.

[6][7] In 1929, the 8th Legislature passed Act 3665, granting PECO a new 50-year franchise and expanding its service area to include Santa Barbara, Pavia, and Oton.

His refusal led to his dismissal, which sparked a union strike later declared illegal by the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC).

[14] PECO faced escalating controversy as tycoon Enrique Razon Jr.'s MORE Power vied for control of Iloilo City's electricity franchise.

In response, PECO defended its operations, claiming to have resolved past issues and pledging not to shut down facilities amid the transition.