THE provincial government of Davao del Norte and officials from Davao Light and Power Company (Davao Light) wrapped up a coordination meeting this week to finalize steps for the transition of power distribution responsibilities under DLPC’s expanded franchise.
Governor Edwin Jubahib led the provincial delegation in talks with DLPC and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) representatives. Discussions focused on infrastructure readiness and operational requirements for areas covered by Republic Act No. 12144, which took effect on April 6, 2025.
RA 12144 authorizes Davao Light to take over electricity distribution in the entire First District of Davao del Norte, the Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos), and parts of Maco in Davao de Oro—a significant shift from the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (NORDECO), the previous provider.
The meeting tackled key issues such as handover timelines, infrastructure upgrades, and coordination with regulatory agencies like the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and the National Electrification Administration (NEA).
To minimize service disruptions, both parties also discussed contingency measures and outlined strategies for smoothly integrating the new areas into DLPC’s network.
The transition follows years of appeals from local government units and consumers who have long complained about high electricity rates and unreliable service under Nordeco.
A subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Corporation, Davao Light is known for its low system loss rates and strong service reliability in its current franchise areas, including Davao City, Panabo City, and parts of Carmen, Davao del Norte. The company is preparing major investments in network expansion, substation upgrades, and customer service centers to support the incoming service areas.
The ERC is expected to release further guidelines in the coming months to support the transition. DLPC also plans to conduct public consultations and consumer education campaigns to ease concerns and inform residents and businesses about upcoming changes.
The provincial government and local municipalities will continue to monitor the transition process to ensure the timely delivery of improved electricity services.
Once fully implemented, the expansion is expected to bring more stable power, lower electricity costs, and better service to thousands of consumers in Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro. DEF