Davao del Norte and Davao Light collaborate for franchise launch
Headline: Power Swap in Davao: A New Dawn for Thousands of Consumers
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Hey there, folks! It's time for some electrifying news from the sunny shores of Davao. The provincial government of Davao del Norte and Davao Light and Power Company (Davao Light) have recently wrapped up a meeting to hammer out the final details for the transition of power distribution responsibilities under Davao Light's expanded franchise.
The man leading the charge, Governor Edwin Jubahib, sat down with Davao Light and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reps for talks about what's needed to prep for areas covered by Republic Act No. 12144. This act, which kicked into gear on April 6, 2025, grants Davao Light permission to take control of 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.
Essentially, folks, this means it's goodbye to the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (NORDECO) as the power provider, and hello to Davao Light. That's a pretty significant shift, don't you think?
So, what exactly went down in this powwow? The discussion ranged from checking on infrastructure and operational necessities to fine-tuning handover timelines and infrastructure upgrades. They also made sure to chat with the regulatory bigwigs like the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and the National Electrification Administration (NEA).
To keep service interruptions at bay, both parties pledged to iron out contingency plans and strategy for seamlessly sliding new areas into Davao Light's network.
You might be wondering why this transition is happening now. Well, it's all because local government units and consumers have long cried out about excessive electricity rates and questionable service under NORDECO.
Davao Light, a subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Corporation, boasts solid reliability and low-loss electricity rates in its current franchise areas, including Davao City, Panabo City, and parts of Carmen, Davao del Norte. With the expansion, the company plans to invest big-time in network expansion, substation improvements, and customer service centers to cater to the new territories.
Keep your eyes peeled for guidance from the ERC in the coming months to support the transition. Davao Light is also gearing up for public consultations and education campaigns to address concerns and educate consumers about the upcoming changes.
Our provincial government and local municipalities will be on the hook to keep tabs on the transition process and make sure everything runs smoothly and on schedule.
Once the dust settles and the expansion is in full swing, citizens of Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro can look forward to more stable power, lower electricity costs, and superior service[1]. So, get ready to flip the switch on a brighter future!
- In the discussions, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and the National Electrification Administration (NEA) were consulted about the transition of power distribution from Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (NORDECO) to Davao Light, as the provincial government of Davao del Norte plans to invest in network expansion, substation improvements, and customer service centers to cater to the new territories under Davao Light, following the switch.
- To secure financial investments and maintain a stable energy supply for the expanded areas, Davao Light, a subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Corporation, will engage in business ventures and investments in infrastructure, such as network expansion and customer service center development, in alignment with the government's support of the energy sector and the overall economic growth in the region.
- The Department of Education (DepEd), in collaboration with Davao Light and the provincial government, is expected to work together on education campaigns to inform citizens about the upcoming changes in electricity providers and power service quality, ensuring a seamless transition and preparing consumers for the new energy landscape in Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro.
