DAVAO Light and Power Co., Inc. (Davao Light) informs the public that it is now accepting new line applications for significant areas in Kapalong, Davao del Norte, which are covered by the company’s newly-built distribution line.
The 12-kilometer distribution line extension from Barangay Pag-asa to the Municipal Hall, in the Municipality of Kapalong, is part of the distribution utility’s ongoing efforts to bring reliable and accessible electricity service to more households and businesses in the community in its expanded franchise areas.
“We have been building our distribution line because local government unit (LGU) leaders and customers are demanding that we do. This is to serve the customers’ interest, and we hope not to delay any further, but we have no choice at the moment,” Davao Light president and COO, Enriczar Tia, said.
“But we are still hopeful that the management and board of the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Nordeco) will sit down with us and enter into negotiations for their assets, so we can smoothly transition and connect as many customers as we can,” he added.
Davao Light said it intends to build more lines in the coming months, but is also realistic about the public’s expectations.
“We can build our own lines, but it will take years before we can cover our expansion area. We are hoping for Nordeco’s cooperation to make things faster,” said Tia.
To make the process easier and more convenient for residents, online pre-registration is available, allowing applicants to start their applications in advance and minimize the need for repeated visits.
The utility company reiterates that there is no connection fee, and customers are not charged for the meter base, current transformer box, and service wires, reinforcing its commitment to a transparent and customer-friendly service.
In line with this commitment, the company also supports the Sitio Electrification Project, which aims to energize 100% of identified sitios by providing access to electricity through the installation of distribution poles, wires, and transformers—at no cost to the customers.
While Davao Light wants to serve the whole of Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro, it can only do so much, given NORDECO’s resistance to the negotiation of its assets. The company apologizes that it cannot immediately respond to the clamor of the public for cheaper and more reliable power, as it takes time to put up new structures and connect everyone to the company’s line. Although the company is willing, the process will be expedited with the full cooperation of NORDECO.
The distribution utility company also appeals to the board of directors of Nordeco to accept our request for a Joint Transition Committee and to work closely with all stakeholders during this transition. This cooperation will help ensure a smooth and orderly process of the transition, which is expected to benefit the entire community, especially customers.
Davao Light cannot take over the entire area covered by RA 12144 just yet, with Nordeco’s continued refusal to negotiate. For now, the utility company has only been able to string a connection in the Municipality of Kapalong due to its proximity to the original areas of Davao Light.
With open communication and coordination, Davao Light assures residents that the transition will be smooth, guided by the shared goal of providing safe, dependable, and efficient electricity service for Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro.
