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A consumer advocacy group in Davao has called on the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco) to regularly disclose and explain its electricity rates, citing sharp price increases in January 2026 that have triggered public complaints and strained household budgets.
In a statement, the Davao Consumer Movement said Nordeco’s residential rate climbed to about ₱14.90 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in January, up by more than ₱2/kWh from ₱12.70/kWh in December 2025. The group said this placed Nordeco among the most expensive electric cooperatives in the country and resulted in the highest rate hike in the Davao Region for the month, alongside Davao Light and Power Co.
The group said the increase had an immediate impact on consumers, with many taking to social media to express shock over higher power bills. It cited accounts from residents whose monthly bills rose by thousands of pesos despite no significant change or even a reduction in household electricity use after the holiday season.
Consumers Demand Accountability
According to the consumer group, Nordeco’s public response failed to adequately address these concerns. The cooperative advised consumers to review and compare their electricity consumption for December and January, attributing higher bills largely to increased usage during the holidays and higher generation costs.
The group argued that while generation charges are a factor, distribution utilities also have a responsibility to manage supply contracts and mitigate costs passed on to consumers.
The Davao Consumer Movement said shifting blame to external factors does not absolve Nordeco of accountability, particularly given its role in sourcing power and communicating rate changes. It also criticized what it described as a lack of transparency, noting that other utilities and cooperatives in the region, such as Davao Light, regularly inform consumers of impending rate adjustments.
“Consumers deserve clarity, not excuses,” the group said, adding that Nordeco’s practice of not consistently publishing its rates or clearly explaining adjustments runs counter to its stated commitment to “Serbisyong Kinasingkasing” or heartfelt service.
Ongoing Dispute
The renewed scrutiny of Nordeco’s rates comes amid broader changes and disputes in the Davao Region’s power sector. In December 2025, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) granted Davao Light provisional authority to begin operations in parts of Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro under Republic Act 12144, which expanded the utility’s franchise into areas traditionally served by Nordeco.
The provisional authority allows Davao Light to install distribution facilities, accept consumers, and process new connections while its application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) undergoes evaluation. Nordeco has challenged the expansion, arguing that the law’s validity is under review by the Supreme Court and that it remains the legitimate distribution utility in the affected provinces.
As the franchise dispute continues, electricity rates have drawn increasing public attention. For the January to February 2026 billing period, Davao Light’s residential rate rose to ₱11.72/kWh, still significantly lower than Nordeco’s January rate, despite both utilities citing higher generation costs as a key driver.
The Davao Consumer Movement said its call for regular rate publication is a “bare minimum” step to protect consumers. The group urged Nordeco to provide clear, accessible explanations for price changes and to engage more proactively with member-consumer owners affected by rising electricity costs.
Source:
https://tribune.net.ph/2026/01/28/davao-light-granted-provisional-authority-for-expansion
