Davao Light seeks fresh permit to sell power
Aboitiz-owned Davao Light and Power Co. is seeking the approval of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to continue its distribution activities in its franchise area.
Based on a recent document posted on the ERC’s website, Davao Light officially applied for the renewal of its certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN).
The utility‘s franchise has been extended to another 25 years or until September 2050, but its CPCN is set to lapse in September 2025.
The group hopes to get the ERC’s decision “at the soonest time possible” to ensure an uninterrupted supply of electric services.
Aside from Davao City, the country’s third-largest electricity distributor caters to consumers in Panabo City and the towns of Carmen, Dujali, and Sto. Tomas in Davao del Norte.
“Considering that Davao Light is already operating a distribution system within its franchise area covering Davao City and several municipalities and a city in Davao del Norte, it is imperative to maintain the continuity of Davao Light’s operations without interruption,” the company said in its application.
Davao Light added that there was a “clear and sufficient basis” for the issuance of a provisional authority, pending the release of the ERC’s final decision.
Previously vetoed
In 2022, President Marcos vetoed a measure that sought to expand the Aboitiz firm’s area of business due to “the susceptibility of the proposed expansion of the franchise area of Davao Light and Power Company Inc. to legal and/or constitutional challenge due to the apparent overlap and possible infringement into the subsisting franchise, permits and contracts previously granted to North Davao Electric Cooperative Inc.”
In addition to Davao Light, energy giant AboitizPower also has Visayan Electric providing services to Cebu City and neighboring communities.
AboitizPower Distribution Utilities earlier said the group has been shifting to a paperless billing system through its MobileAP, a mobile application designed to automate electricity bill payment and monitor consumption in real time.
Currently, mobileAP is available in locations being supplied by Davao Light, Cotabato Light and Power Co., Visayan Electric C. Inc. and the Enerzone Group.
