DAVAO Light and Power Company (Davao Light) has announced that the rehabilitation of the power distribution facilities previously operated by Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco) has already started.
Engr. Enriczar Tia, Davao Light president and chief operating officer, said the works are necessary for the distribution utility to effectively operate in the newly acquired franchise areas.
Tia lauded Nordeco ‘s compliance with the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) cease-and-desist order.
“We started the rehabilitation process already. We are thankful nga nagcooperate si Nordeco sa mandate ni ERC. To cease and desist siya,” Tia told reporters.
To note, Nordeco has announced that it will comply with the ERC order dated July 3, 2026, directing it to cease operations in several parts of Davao del Norte.
Nordeco said it discontinued its operations in Tagum City, the Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos), and the municipalities of Asuncion, Kapalong, New Corella, San Isidro, and Talaingod in Davao del Norte.
However, it stressed that it will continue serving its member-consumer-owners in the 11 municipalities of Davao de Oro, which are not covered by the ERC’s latest order.
Tia emphasized that distribution assets inherited from Nordeco were dilapidated and needed an upgrade.
“The existing facilities man gud sa Nordeco kay dilapidated na ang assets nila. So, ang ilang mga poste, mga power lines, ang ilang mga other facilities didto, line devices, we need to upgrade that,” he said, adding that full rehabilitation will take time.
Meanwhile, Davao Light is now also serving Talicud Island of Island Garden City of Samal, including the operation of electricity distribution services.
The National Power Corporation–Small Power Utilities Group (NPC-SPUG) has an existing power plant, so they are still supplying the electricity, but Davao Light has already taken over the distribution.
Tia said contractual arrangements were delayed, but now they are in coordination with NPC-SPUG.
“We are still coordinating with NPC-SPUG for the contract. So, medyo nadugayan lang siya og transfer sa contract, but it’s already ongoing now,” he said,
The power demand in Talicud Island is currently around 500 to 600 kilowatts (kW).
The official denied that this expansion is contributing to the current rate increase, noting that the distribution charge of Davao Light has remained at a constant price since 2013.
“It has nothing to do with the expansion. In fact, makatabang pa siguro ang expansion later on since nag-expand ta, we will have a bidding process with more suppliers later, so economy of scale, maka-command ta og better prices,” he stressed.
