CONSUMERS of the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco) deserve better.
Instead of taking responsibility, Nordeco chose to pass the blame onto its member‑consumer owners, even though it is the clear duty of the distribution utility to find ways to lower electricity costs.
At P14.90/kWh, Nordeco now ranks among the most expensive electric cooperatives in the country as of January 2026. This represents a steep increase of more than P2/kWh from December’s rate of P12.70/kWh. Alongside Davao Light, Nordeco recorded the highest rate hike in the Davao Region for January—an increase that directly burdens households and businesses.
The impact on consumers has been immediate and painful. Many member‑consumer owners have taken to social media to express their shock at the sudden surge in power bills.
One consumer reported her bill skyrocketed to P33,000 in January. She explained that while her December bill of P30,000 was understandable due to the holidays and visitors, she expected January’s bill to be lower since her household was mostly out for work and school during the day.
Another consumer shared that her bill jumped from an average of P14,000 to P22,000, while her residence in Maco saw an increase from P24,000 to P32,000.
Instead of acknowledging these hardships, Nordeco issued a statement advising consumers to “review and compare their electricity consumption” between December 2025 and January 2026, suggesting that the holiday season was to blame. They also pointed to the generation sector as the cause of higher rates—an explanation that is only partly true.
What Nordeco failed to admit is that cooperatives also bear responsibility for sourcing and managing supply contracts. Poor management of these contracts directly affects consumers, and shifting blame does not absolve them of accountability.
Most disappointing is that Nordeco’s statement feels detached and inconsistent with its own promise of *Serbisyong Kinasingkasing (Heartfelt Service).” Genuine service means putting consumers first—through transparency, honesty, and proactive communication.
Other cooperatives, such as Davao Light, Doreco, and Dasureco, inform their consumers of rate changes before or upon release. This is the kind of transparency consumers expect and deserve. In contrast, Nordeco has made it a habit not to publish rates or explain the factors behind them, leaving consumers in the dark.
Consumers deserve clarity, not excuses. At the end of the day, what consumers want is affordable electricity, not jargon‑heavy explanations.
We call on Nordeco to fulfill its duty by regularly publishing its rates and providing clear, accessible explanations for changes. This is the bare minimum the cooperative can do amid its high power rates. Anything less is a disservice to the very people they are meant to serve.
Ryan Amper
Convenor
Davao Consumer Movement
0905-5634083
