Davao Light and Power Co. (DLPC) is moving forward with its plan to extend services to new areas in Davao del Norte, having finished a significant part of its required infrastructure. The utility company reported completing a major segment of a 12-kilometer overhead line project in Kapalong Municipality. This work is a direct step in complying with Republic Act 12144, which grants Davao Light an expanded franchise area.
Preparing for Connection and Awaiting Final Approval
DLPC President and Chief Operating Officer Enriczar Tia stated that this infrastructure development is a crucial part of their preparation to serve consumers in the expanded territory. The company is now awaiting necessary approvals from regulatory agencies to begin connecting households and businesses. Kapalong is set to be the first area to connect, primarily due to its closeness to Sto. Tomas, a municipality already serviced by Davao Light.
Tia also revealed plans for another power line that will originate from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) substation in Maco municipality. This separate line is intended to connect to Tagum City, further expanding the network.
Promise of Lower Rates and Facing Legal Resistance
A key benefit for future customers, according to Tia, will be reduced electricity bills. He emphasized that under the one franchise-one rate principle, new customers will pay the same as existing Davao Light consumers. To illustrate the potential savings, as of November 2025, Davao Light's overall residential rate was P10.06 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). In contrast, customers of the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco) paid P12.90 per kWh. This difference of nearly P3.00 per kWh means a household using an average of 120 kWh monthly would save almost P350.00 with Davao Light. Notably, Davao Light's rate further decreased to P9.7135 per kWh in December 2025.
However, the transition faces a major hurdle. Nordeco has actively resisted the takeover mandated by RA 12144. The cooperative has filed a legal case questioning the law's validity and has vowed not to cooperate with any transition while the petition is pending in the Supreme Court. Nordeco's acting general manager, Elvera Alngog, stated this position in a letter to the provincial board, arguing that Davao Light's takeover is "not proper, not right, and, above all, against the law."
Path Forward and Hoping for Cooperation
Despite the opposition, Davao Light remains hopeful for an amicable resolution. Tia expressed a desire for Nordeco to negotiate, particularly regarding the sale of its existing assets. He acknowledged that Nordeco's resistance is causing significant delays in their implementation timeline. The company is prepared to build its own lines, poles, and substations, but Tia cautioned that this approach would take several years to fully serve Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro. A sale of assets would allow Davao Light to upgrade the infrastructure and commence service much faster.
DLPC is currently waiting for the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to issue a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN). The ERC already conducted an online hearing on November 24, 2025, in Tagum City, where Nordeco's legal representatives formally voiced their opposition. Davao Light continues to prepare for its expanded role, aiming to deliver what it calls world-class service and more affordable power to the region.
