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Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro are set to receive a major boost in electricity service after the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) granted provisional authority to Davao Light and Power Co. (Davao Light) on December 12, 2025. This decision allows the private utility to begin connecting customers in areas previously served by the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco) under Republic Act 12144, pending final approval.
“We welcome this decision of the ERC. For months, Davao Light has laid the foundation of our network in our expanded areas. With this decision, we can now accept applications for connections,” said Davao Light President and COO Enriczar Tia. Customers can apply online through the company’s website, Facebook page, or other platforms to transfer their service.
For now, Davao Light has started connections in Kapalong municipality, where its network extends closest to existing infrastructure. Tia noted that expanding to areas such as Tagum City and the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCOS) will require additional substations, poles, and transmission lines, a process expected to take several years. “We still hope to enter into negotiations for the assets of Nordeco so we can connect as many customers as we can,” he added.
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Lower Rates and Stronger Service
The provisional authority marks the beginning of a more competitive energy landscape in the province. Davao Light’s residential rate as of December stands at ₱9.7135 per kilowatt-hour, compared to Nordeco’s November rate of ₱12.90, resulting in potential monthly savings of over ₱350 for households with average consumption.
“This may be one document, but this spells a brighter future for the people of Davao del Norte,” said Governor Edwin Jubahib. “With the CPCN (Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity), Davao Light can now connect customers in Davao del Norte. This would mean lower rates and better service for all of us – something I have been fighting for our people since 2019. We hope for a smooth transition between Nordeco and Davao Light for the benefit of our consumers.”
Business and consumer groups also welcomed the ERC approval. Ryan Amper, convener of the Davao Consumer Movement, emphasized the broader economic impact. “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,” hesaid.
Sean Gellangarin, president of the Tagum City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the importance of affordable, transparent service for both households and businesses. “This is one big step for customers of Tagum City and Davao del Norte who aspire for better service and lower electricity rates,” he said.
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Phased Expansion and Community Benefits
Davao Light plans to gradually extend service across the northern franchise area. Kapalong is the first to be connected, with the Igacos targeted for the first half of 2026. Tagum City will follow once a high-voltage transmission line linking the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines substation to Davao Light’s local substation is completed.
Despite Nordeco’s current resistance and legal challenges to the transfer, stakeholders remain optimistic.
“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],” Gellangarin explained.
Amper noted, “This marks the end of unreliable and costly power service. It signals the start of a new chapter of economic growth for Davao del Norte.”
The expansion also highlights a commitment to world-class utility service and long-term infrastructure development. By installing new lines, poles, and substations, Davao Light is laying the groundwork for a modern and efficient electricity network. Residents in newly connected areas will not only benefit from lower rates but also enjoy improved service reliability, greater energy transparency, and the potential for expanded access to power-dependent services.
Sources:
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/davao-light-gets-green-light-to-connect-new-customers
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/12/22/erc-gives-pa-to-davao-light-on-new-franchise-areas
