DAVAO CITY (December 22) — Communities in Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro are closer to getting a new electricity provider after the Energy Regulatory Commission gave provisional approval for Davao Light and Power Co. (DLPC) to operate in parts of the two provinces.
The ruling allows Davao Light to begin connecting customers and collecting payments while awaiting final approval of its Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. The ERC granted the provisional authority during its en banc meeting on December 12.
For residents long affected by power issues, the decision signals a possible shift. “With this approval, we can now accept applications for connections in our expanded areas,” said DLPC president and COO Enriczar Tia, adding that groundwork for the expansion has been underway for months.
Davao Light’s entry follows the passage of Republic Act No. 12144, which authorized the company to take over franchise areas previously served by the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (NORDECO).
Still, the rollout will be gradual. Tia said DLPC cannot yet serve the entire coverage area because NORDECO has not agreed to sell its existing assets, including lines, poles, and substations.
For now, Davao Light has managed to connect only Kapalong town in Davao del Norte, which lies close to its original service area.
Customers interested in switching can already apply online through Davao Light’s official website and social media pages. Those in Kapalong may start receiving power from DLPC before year-end, with billing expected to begin in January.
DLPC also plans to build its own power infrastructure, but officials cautioned that expanding service to bigger or farther areas such as Tagum City or Samal Island could take years.
For many communities, the provisional approval brings cautious optimism—raising hopes for more reliable electricity, improved service, and long-term benefits once the transition is fully in place.
