Davao Light and Power Company (Davao Light) has officially started providing electricity services in parts of Kapalong, Davao del Norte. This move follows the completion of a new distribution line and marks a significant step in the company's expansion into areas recently granted to it by law.
New Power Line Energizes Kapalong
The utility announced it is now accepting new applications for power connections in Kapalong. This became possible after the construction of a 12-kilometer distribution line extension that runs from Barangay Pag-asa to the Kapalong Municipal Hall.
Davao Light President and Chief Operating Officer Enriczar Tia stated the project was a direct response to persistent requests from local leaders and residents for better electricity service. "We built the distribution line because LGU leaders and customers have been asking for it," Tia explained. "This is in the interest of the customers."
Challenges and Calls for Cooperation
Despite this progress, Davao Light acknowledges that fully covering its expanded franchise area will be a lengthy process. The expansion is mandated under Republic Act No. 12144, which took effect on April 6, 2025. This law transfers the franchise for Tagum City and the Island Garden City of Samal from the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (NORDECO) to Davao Light.
A major hurdle remains the negotiation for the transfer of existing assets from NORDECO. Tia expressed hope for a collaborative approach: "We are still hopeful that NORDECO's management and board will sit down with us so we can transition smoothly and connect as many customers as possible." He emphasized that cooperation would significantly speed up the process of connecting more households and businesses.
Customer-Friendly Services and Future Plans
To make the application process easier, Davao Light has launched an online pre-registration system. This allows residents to start their application remotely, reducing the need for multiple visits to their offices.
The company also reiterated its commitment to transparent service, highlighting several key policies:
- No connection fees for new customers.
- Free provision of meter bases, current transformer boxes, and service wires.
- Continued support for the Sitio Electrification Program, which provides poles, wires, and transformers at no cost to customers.
Davao Light's long-term goal is to provide safe, dependable, and efficient power across all of Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro. However, the company apologized to residents eagerly awaiting service, noting that infrastructure development and customer connections take time, especially without a formal asset turnover agreement.
For now, service expansion is limited to areas like Kapalong due to their proximity to Davao Light's existing network. The company has once again appealed to NORDECO's board to form a Joint Transition Committee to ensure an orderly and transparent transition for the benefit of all electricity consumers in the region.
