THE TAGUM City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. showed support to the provincial government of Davao del Norte to block the franchise renewal bid of the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco).
In a statement released Wednesday, the chamber emphasized that businesses in the city have suffered from inefficient and expensive power provided by Nordeco.
It added that high power rates and frequent power outages have affected the growth of local businesses over the past years.
“Businesses are forced to spend more as they replace damaged electrical equipment and purchase modular generator sets,” it stated.
Led by Governor Edwin Jubahib, the provincial government approved the resolution blocking the franchise renewal during the joint meeting of the Provincial Development Council (PDC) and the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) on Sept. 18, 2025.
The chamber emphasized the need to have a change in the power regime in Davao del Norte.
“We cannot continue to operate the business as is because it is simply expensive with NORDECO having the most expensive power rate in Davao Region and having to invest in modular generator sets,” it stressed.
The group also questioned the utility company’s motive in applying for a congressional franchise.
“The issues of frequent power outages, high power rates, and poor service remain unresolved to this day, yet they want to renew their franchise?” it said.
The business community has been petitioning for Nordeco to resolve its issues, but it seems like the concerns of the group have “fallen on deaf ears.”
In July, Nordeco reminded its member-consumer-owners that their operations are still in full and normal conditions amid the Davao Light and Power Co. expansion.
The electric distribution utility issued the statement following the launch of Davao Light and Power Company’s first distribution pole and the groundbreaking ceremony for a 22 MVA (Mega Volt-Amperes) Digital Substation in Barangay Magugpo East on July 8.
RA 12144, which lapsed into law on April 6, officially expands Davao Light’s franchise area to include Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro.
