Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) has begun extending its reach into Davao del Norte with the ceremonial installation of 45 distribution poles in Kapalong. The move marks the utility’s entry as the town’s new power provider, following the passage of Republic Act 12144 that expanded DLPC’s franchise to cover parts of Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro.
DLPC President Engr. Enriczar Tia described the pole installation as a key step in expanding electricity services to more communities. “These initial activities reflect the company’s readiness to move forward with the transition process and its commitment to laying the groundwork for expanded service coverage,” he said.
Tia added that DLPC remains focused on delivering safe and reliable power while driving growth in its new franchise areas.
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Tagum City’s digital substation & warehouse facility
Last July, the energy firm signaled the start of its operations in Tagum City with the installation of its first electric pole, coinciding with the launch of a 22 megavolt-ampere (MVA) digital substation and the opening of new warehouse facilities. The twin projects underscored the utility’s preparations to serve its expanded franchise area.
Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib hailed DLPC’s entry as a long-awaited boost for the province, saying dependable electricity would unlock growth. He expressed confidence that an improved power supply would attract more businesses and drive investment in both Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro.
Nordeco ( Northern Davao Electric Cooperative, Inc.) has been the electric distributor for many municipalities in the region under franchise laws dating back decades. However, in 2025, Republic Act 12144 was enacted to expand the franchise of DLPC into parts of Nordeco’s service territory. The measure lapsed into law on April 6, 2025, after President Marcos Jr. took no action within the 30 days required by the Constitution.
(Also read: New Substation in Tagum to Boost Power in 2 Provinces)
No response from Nordeco
Tia mentioned that the firm is waiting for NORDECO’s reply to its proposal for a joint transition committee that would manage and coordinate the handover of power operations between the two utilities.
“We hope to partner with NORDECO to make the transition as seamless as possible,” he said in Cebuano, adding that the company has made three attempts to engage the cooperative in talks over acquiring its electric assets, but has yet to receive any response.
DLPC-Panabo Senior AVP Arnel D. Bersabe asserted the firm’s right to acquire Nordeco’s distribution assets and warned it would pursue legal action if the cooperative refuses. He added that DLPC is only awaiting its certificate of public convenience and necessity before it can start signing contracts with consumers.
In May 2025, Nordeco brought its fight to the Supreme Court, questioning the constitutionality of Republic Act 12144. The cooperative argued that the measure allows a private firm to seize government-funded assets and consumer equity while sidestepping contractual obligations safeguarded by the Constitution. It also claimed the law was passed without sufficient consultation with Nordeco or the communities affected.
The case remains pending before the Supreme Court.
Sources:
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1258137
https://mindanews.com/top-stories/2025/09/davao-light-says-no-word-yet-from-nordeco-on-transition/
