Consumers, biz group welcome Aboitiz power firm’s entry in Davao del Norte
DAVAO CITY—The business community of Tagum City, provincial capital of Davao del Norte, and power consumers in the province welcomed the provisional authority that the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) granted the Aboitiz-owned Davao Light and Power Co. (DLPC) to operate in the province.
“This is one big step for customers of Tagum City and Davao del Norte who aspire for better service and lower electricity rates,” said a statement signed by Sean Gellangarin, president of the Tagum City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (TCCCII).
The ERC issued the provisional authority on Dec. 12, allowing DLPC to operate in areas currently being served by the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco). These areas include at least seven localities—Tagum City, the Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos) and the towns of Asuncion, Kapalong, New Corella, San Isidro and Talaingod.
The certificate of public conveyance and necessity (CPCN) issued by the ERC legally authorizes DLPC to expand its operations in Davao del Norte under Republic Act No. 12144. This law grants the private power distributor the right to take over the franchise area served by Nordeco.
“Consumers stand to gain two major benefits: a reliable and transparent power system and affordable electricity—commitments [that DLPC] has made to the people of Davao del Norte. We, as consumers, will continue to hold the company accountable to these promises,” Ryan Amper, Davao Consumer Movement convener, said in a statement.
Target connections
Arnel Bersabe, DLPC general manager for the northern franchise area, also said that with the CPCN, the company will now be able to connect consumers in Kapalong town, where the power distribution company already erected poles and a 13-kilometer power line.
Bersabe said that within the first half of next year, the power distribution company would welcome new connections.
After Kapalong, the Igacos and Tagum City will most likely follow, he said.
DLPC targets to connect Igacos to its power system within the first half of 2026, Bersabe said.
Tagum City will be connected once the power distributor completes the high-voltage transmission line that will connect the substation of the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines to Davao Light’s substation in the city.
“With dependable and cost-efficient electricity, Davao del Norte can unlock its full potential as an economic powerhouse in the Davao region and Mindanao. A stronger economy means better goods, services and opportunities for consumers,” Amper said.
Resistance
He said households were also bound to enjoy benefits from this power transition, as cheaper electricity costs would translate into more savings.
“While we understand Northern Davao Electric Cooperative is still putting up resistance and going to court to stop Davao Light from taking over and to stop customers from switching—the business sector is still hoping for the Nordeco board of directors to initiate a level-headed negotiation and peaceful transition from Nordeco to [DLPC],” said Gellangarin of TCCCII.
He added: “This is what we, the business sector and consumers, hope and pray for. We all deserve lower rates and better service to support business, improve lives and build a better economy for Tagum City and Davao del Norte.”
