DAVAO Light’s overall residential electricity rate increased by P2.0052/kWh per kilowatt-hour (kWh) this January, bringing the new rate to P11.7187/kWh, higher than P9.7135/kWh in December 2025.
Davao Light said the rate applies to electricity bills received from Jan. 11 to Feb. 10, 2026.
The electric provider explained that the increase is due to higher power supply prices from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), particularly caused by several power plant outages in the previous month.
“These outages contributed to higher market prices, reflecting market conditions beyond any distribution utility’s control,” it said.
The implementation of the Green Energy Auction Allowance (GEA-All), new government charge under the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Case No. 2025-127 RC dated December 26, 2025, also contributed to the overall increase.
However, the decreased Feed-In Tariff Allowance (FIT-All) rate and the new pass-through charge, the Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) rate under ERC Resolution No. 12, Series of 2024, tempered the increase, with the latter reflected in electric bills as a refund of -0.0070/kWh.
“Davao Light remits generation charges to power suppliers, while government-mandated fees are forwarded to the appropriate state agencies,” it explained.
Davao Light urged customers to manage consumption to avoid bills shock since bills are based on electricity consumption and rates.
“Let us focus on simple daily habits and maximizing natural resources such as sunlight and air. These may seem insignificant, but once we receive our electric bill, we will see its big impact,” Fermin Edillon, Reputation Enhancement Department head, said.
Davao Light advised to unplug appliances when not in use and chargers when fully charged to avoid “phantom load” or standby power usage. Maximizing natural light and cool weather during the day by opening windows, curtains, and blinds is also advised.
The power utility firm added that right-sizing should be practiced when buying appliances such that an appliance that is too big or too small can waste energy. Ironing in bulk once a week minimizes wasted energy from repeated heating, as one long session is more efficient than doing short ones. It added that rather than repeatedly using an electric kettle, it is advised to store hot water in stainless steel or glass thermoses or bottles.
“Note that heating appliances are some of the top contributors to high electricity bills,” Davao Light stressed
