The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has given Davao Light and Power Co. (DLPC) a crucial provisional go-ahead to begin connecting new customers in parts of Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro. This move, authorized under Republic Act 12144, marks a significant step in expanding the utility's service area and is expected to bring lower power costs to residents.
Provisional Authority Paves the Way for Service
In an en banc meeting held on December 12, 2025, the ERC granted a Provisional Authority (PA) for Davao Light's Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN). This provisional approval allows the company to start accepting applications for connections and to collect corresponding payments, pending the commission's final authorization.
Enriczar Tia, President and Chief Operating Officer of DLPC, welcomed the ERC's decision. He stated that the company has been preparing its network infrastructure in the expanded areas for months and can now officially start processing connection requests. Interested customers can apply through online channels, with links available on Davao Light's official Facebook page and website.
Challenges and Initial Rollout in Kapalong
Despite the approval, Tia clarified that Davao Light cannot immediately take over the entire area mandated by RA 12144. This limitation is due to the continued refusal of the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (NORDECO) to sell its assets to the private utility. As a result, the initial connection efforts are concentrated in the municipality of Kapalong, owing to its proximity to Davao Light's existing service network.
Tia expressed hope for future negotiations with NORDECO to acquire its assets, which would enable DLPC to serve more customers. He confirmed that residents in Kapalong could start receiving power from Davao Light before the end of 2025, with billing to commence in January of the following year after their regular billing cycle. However, establishing full service in areas like Samal or Tagum will require years of building new lines, poles, and substations.
Promise of Lower Rates and Improved Service
The expansion is championed by local officials anticipating economic relief for consumers. Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib hailed the CPCN issuance as a document that "spells a brighter future" for his constituents. He has advocated for lower electricity rates and better service since 2019 and views Davao Light's entry as key to achieving that goal, urging a smooth transition for consumer benefit.
The potential for savings is substantiated by rate comparisons. As of November 2025, Davao Light's overall residential rate was P10.06 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). In contrast, NORDECO customers paid P12.90 per kWh—a difference of nearly P3.00. For a household consuming an average of 120 kWh monthly, this translates to savings of over P350 with Davao Light. Furthermore, Davao Light's rate decreased to Php9.7135/kWh in December 2025, while NORDECO's December rates were not yet released at the time of the announcement.
Tia assured customers in the expanded areas that they would not only benefit from lower electricity rates but also experience the utility's world-class service standards.
