By RHENA JEAN H. BATOBALANI/CMU Intern
THE DAVAO Light and Power Company (DLPC) announced that residential electricity rates will increase from P10.35 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to P12.30 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). This rate applies to electricity bills received from June 11 to July 10, 2026.
During the Davao Peace and Security Press Corps briefing on Wednesday, June 24, at The Royal Mandaya Hotel, Fermin Edillon, head of the Davao Light Reputation Enhancement Department, said the adjustment was due to the increase in generation charge—the cost of producing electricity from power plants.
“Nisaka ang rate it is because nagsaka man gud ang presyo sa merkado, sa Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM). Usa na sa ginakuhaan nato sa mga supply sa kuryente. Mahitungod pud ni siya kay tungod man gud naay mga planta nag out or nadaot pud and then mga maintenance, mao to siya ang usa sa mga hinungdan nganong nagsaka pud ang ilahang rate,” Edillon said.
In addition, Edillon highlights that a Davao Light electricity bill consists of four components: generation, transmission, distribution, and government charges and taxes. Consequently, these are the factors that drive increases in the overall electricity rate
Furthermore, he explained that because the power grids are interconnected, a supply deficit or power problem in Luzon and Visayas can affect Mindanao, and vice versa.
“Now, I also just want to clarify that this increase (increase in electricity) is not only with Davao Light, but almost all power distribution utilities in the Philippines also increased,” he said.
He also advises consumers to manage their consumption of electricity. Edillon recommends controlling consumption by minimizing the use of air-conditioners, electric fans, and/or turning off unused appliances to lower the bills.
