ISLAND GARDEN CITY OF SAMAL (June 4) — As a protracted legal and operational battle between Davao Light and Power Company and the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco) continues to unfold, thousands of electricity consumers in Davao del Norte and Samal remain caught in the middle—uncertain about whom to pay, whose authority to recognize, and how to avoid being billed twice.
Seeking to calm growing public confusion, Davao Light President and Chief Operating Officer Engr. Enriczar Tia announced that no power disconnections should occur before the expiration of a nationwide moratorium imposed by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), and insisted that only Davao Light now has legal authority to conduct disconnections, reconnections, billing, and other distribution services in areas covered by its expanded franchise.
“Since we are already in possession of the assets and we are doing all the distribution services, it is only Davao Light that is authorized to do disconnections, reconnections, and all other services,” Tia said during the Habi at Kape Business Forum on June 3.
The assurance comes amid lingering uncertainty following Davao Light’s takeover of electricity distribution operations in parts of Davao del Norte and Samal after a series of court rulings upheld Republic Act No. 12144, which expanded the utility’s franchise territory.
While the legal framework appears settled in favor of Davao Light, the transition on the ground has proven far more complicated.
Consumers Face Billing Confusion
Reports of overlapping billing statements and conflicting collection notices have fueled anxiety among residents, particularly in Samal, where many consumers remain unsure whether payments should be made to Davao Light or Nordeco.
Davao Light maintains that all electricity consumption in Samal beginning February 26, 2026, should be billed and paid to the company, while charges incurred before that date remain under Nordeco. In Davao del Norte, the cutoff date is May 26, 2026, when Davao Light formally assumed operational control.
Yet despite these guidelines, some consumers have reportedly received statements covering periods already under Davao Light’s jurisdiction.
Tia said such bills should be corrected, but consumer advocates argue that the burden of sorting out the dispute should not fall on ordinary households.
The Davao Consumer Movement (DCM) warned that residents are being left to navigate a confusing and highly technical transition with insufficient information from both utilities.
“Consumers in the Island Garden City of Samal deserve clarity, not confusion, in paying their electric bills,” the group said in a statement.
DCM called on both Davao Light and Nordeco to provide detailed guidance on which areas are already covered by Davao Light’s billing system, what safeguards exist against double payments, and how consumers can verify where payments should be directed.
Court Victories, Public Uncertainty
The dispute traces its roots to Republic Act No. 12144, enacted in 2025, which expanded Davao Light’s franchise into territories historically served by Nordeco.
Nordeco challenged the law before the Supreme Court, arguing against the franchise expansion. However, the Court upheld the measure, while subsequent writs of possession allowed Davao Light to assume control of distribution assets and facilities in the contested areas.
Despite these rulings, Nordeco has continued questioning aspects of the transition, contributing to uncertainty among consumers who are less concerned about legal arguments than maintaining uninterrupted electricity service.
DCM urged Nordeco to comply with existing court orders while encouraging Davao Light to improve public communication.
“Pending resolution of Nordeco’s petitions, the law and court orders remain in effect and must be respected,” the organization said.
At the same time, the group stressed that Davao Light’s public advisories must move beyond general statements and provide community-specific information that consumers can easily understand and act upon.
Beyond the Legal Battle
The transition also carries significant implications for the future of power distribution in Samal, one of Mindanao’s fastest-growing tourism and investment destinations.
Davao Light has announced plans to upgrade and expand electricity infrastructure throughout its newly acquired service areas, citing rising demand from residential developments, commercial establishments, and major tourism projects.
While the company declined to disclose investment figures, officials described Samal as a strategic growth area requiring long-term upgrades to improve reliability and accommodate future expansion.
For consumers, however, infrastructure promises remain secondary to immediate concerns about billing, payment obligations, and service continuity.
The ongoing dispute highlights a broader challenge often overlooked in utility transitions: while courts may resolve questions of ownership and jurisdiction, public trust depends on whether consumers receive clear information, fair treatment, and reliable service.
Until the transition is fully completed, residents of Samal and Davao del Norte remain in a difficult position—caught between competing narratives from two power distributors while simply trying to keep the lights on.
