Residents served by Davao Light and Power Company will see a welcome dip in their electric bills during the current billing cycle. The utility provider announced a decrease in residential rates covering the period from June 11 to July 10, 2025.
The new rate stands at ₱8.6885 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), down from ₱9.1053 the previous month. This reduction of ₱0.4168/kWh offers meaningful savings for consumers amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
Davao Light attributed the recent rate drop to more favorable prices from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), where a portion of its energy supply is sourced. Market rates shift monthly, influenced by supply and demand across the grid. For this billing cycle, the downward trend in WESM pricing allowed the utility to pass on cost savings to its customers.
While rates have gone down, Davao Light reminded customers that total charges still hinge on how much electricity is used. High consumption, especially during hotter months when fans and air conditioners are running longer, can easily outweigh the savings from a lower rate.
The power distributor advised households to be more mindful of their energy habits. Simple steps like unplugging idle appliances, switching to energy-efficient equipment, and letting in fresh air instead of relying on cooling devices can go a long way in keeping bills under control.
(Also read: Inside Mindanao’s Grids: Power Gains & Gaps)
Downward trend in power costs
The current adjustment reflects a broader pattern of shifting electricity costs in recent months. In May 2025, residential rates dropped to ₱9.1053/kWh, easing slightly from ₱9.5514 in April. In February, a sharper drop brought rates down to ₱8.4027/kWh, largely influenced by reduced generation costs and a one-time refund mandated by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).
Davao Light explained that the May rate cut stemmed from more favorable pricing in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) in Mindanao, which provides part of the utility’s power requirements.
Just a month earlier, in April 2025, the company raised its residential rate by ₱0.9492/kWh, moving from ₱8.6022 to ₱9.5514. That increase, which applied to bills issued between April 11 and May 11, was linked to surging WESM costs at the time.
(Also read: No Power, No Progress: The Critical Role of Baseload Power in Mindanao’s Growth)
Davao Light’s future expansion
Last April, Senate Bill No. 2888 (House Bill No. 11072) lapsed into law, paving the way for Davao Light and Power Company to expand its coverage to areas currently served by the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco).
The Davao Consumer Movement (DCM) welcomed the development, expressing hope that Davao Light would bring consistent and affordable electricity to communities in Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro. The group emphasized that improved power reliability could drive economic growth and enhance daily living conditions for residents.
Acknowledging that the transition won’t happen overnight, DCM called on Nordeco to work closely with Davao Light to ensure a smooth handover, one that puts consumer interests first.
While voicing out support for the recent legislative development, Davao Light noted that it has not yet received formal notice regarding the newly enacted law.
Fermin Edillon, who leads the company’s reputation enhancement department, reaffirmed Davao Light’s commitment to providing dependable and reasonably priced electricity in its existing coverage areas and the communities expected to be added under the expansion.
The transition to Davao Light will also cover several municipalities in Davao del Norte—namely Asuncion, Kapalong, New Corella, San Isidro, and Talaingod—along with Laak, Mabini, Maco, Maragusan, Mawab, Monkayo, Montevista, Nabunturan, New Bataan, and Pantukan in Davao de Oro.
Sources:
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/davao-light-cuts-electricity-rate-for-june-july-billing
https://edgedavao.net/latest-news/2025/05/davao-light-lowers-electricity-rate-in-may/
