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Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity

Business

AboitizPower unit begins historic Davao-Samal power interconnection project with submarine cable laying

by Contributor
written by Contributor

SAMAL ISLAND — Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower), through its distribution utility Davao Light and Power Company (Davao Light), completed a historic first for the company via a submarine cable laying in the Pakiputan Strait, connecting the Island Garden City of Samal to Davao City. This is an initial step to the resort island’s long-awaited integration into the mainland’s power grid after years of service woes.

A cable-laying vessel, guided by support boats and a team of technical experts and divers, brought the submarine cable across one of the strait’s narrowest points between Davao City and Samal,  with the route intentionally mapped to minimize environmental impact along the cable’s path. The 1,015 meters of state-of-the-art submarine cable was produced in China, custom-built to meet the project’s specifications.

As the cable-laying vessel passes through the Pakiputan Strait, several floaters are used to temporarily allow the submarine cable to float and align along the planned route.

Succeeding phases will see divers securing the submarine cables underwater and the construction of cable terminal stations at both shore ends. The 69-kilovolt project is expected to be completed by mid-2026, bringing much-needed power network stability and supporting the growing load requirements in Samal.

“Davao Light is ready, poised, and equipped to serve the people, communities, and businesses of the Island Garden City of Samal,” said Davao Light President and COO Enriczar Tia. “Our immediate priorities will be customer service support, network expansion, and substation upgrades that will help build a robust electric distribution system.”

According to AboitizPower Anton Perdices, SVP & COO of the Distribution Business Group, Davao Light will strive to operate using best practices and world-class standards that will help encourage growth and development and improve quality of life. “By doing so, AboitizPower and Davao Light will be able to support local progress and national goals.”

For years, Samal has faced power distribution issues due to aging infrastructure and network maintenance concerns. The frequent outages on the island have strained households, disrupted businesses, and weakened Samal’s potential as a tourism hub. A former local executive said that the city incurred annual damages of about P120 to P150 million since the 2010s due to inconsistencies and unresolved power issues.

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) granted the Provisional Authority for Davao Light’s Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN), which formally cleared the way for the submarine cable laying connecting Samal to the mainland grid. 

Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib welcomed the approval, describing it as a turning point for the province and a signal of more reliable power service ahead. “This may be one document but this spells a brighter future and a better life to the people of Davao del Norte,” the governor said in an official statement.

“With the expected stability in the power network, we look to attract investors and generate more jobs for our people here in Samal,” added Samal Mayor Lemuel Reyes. “We thank Davao Light and AboitizPower for kicking off this project; one that would improve the lives of the people in our island.”

Officers and engineers of Davao Light inspect the submarine cable dispatch site prior to the start of the activity.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the Island Garden City of Samal has a population of 119,701 as of the 2024 census.

Davao Light is the third largest privately-owned distribution utility in the Philippines, serving the cities of Davao and Panabo, plus the municipalities of Carmen, Dujali, and Sto. Tomas. 

Republic Act No. 12144, which took effect last April 2025, expanded Davao Light’s franchise area to several areas in Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro, including Samal. Its legality was affirmed by the Supreme Court in January 2026.

A Writ of Possession was also issued by the Regional Trial Court – Panabo Branch 4, authorizing Davao Light to take over all electric distribution assets in Samal.

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Business

Davao Light assures stability and continuity of powerline in IGaCoS; Gov. Jubahib declares ‘justice’ for residents

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE DAVAO Light and Power Co., Inc. (Davao Light) assured stability and continuity as it officially took over the power line operation in the Island Garden City of Samal starting on Wednesday, Feb. 25.

In his statement in a press briefing on Wednesday, Feb 25, 2026, Davao Light President and COO Enriczar Tia confirmed it has been granted a provisional Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) to operate in the area. 

The company has already established a 24/7 dedicated hotline (0919 057 3572) and a Customer Service Center at the IGaCoS Commercial Center to assist residents during the transition.

Davao Light president and COO Enriczar Tia clarified that while Nordeco had claimed “co-existing” or parallel operations, the court-mandated turnover establishes Davao Light’s lawful authority to possess and operate the infrastructure.

The company stated it remains open to “constructive dialogue” with Nordeco to ensure an orderly transition and a stable, dependable electric service for the community.

The transition was finalized after the Sheriff of the Regional Trial Court – Panabo Branch 4 lawfully turned over the assets—formerly operated by the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco)—to Davao Light. The move follows a January 23, 2026, trial court ruling and the Supreme Court’s recent dismissal of Nordeco’s legal challenges.

A hard-won victory

Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib hailed the takeover as a victory for consumers who have long suffered from high rates and frequent outages.

“This is the justice we have fought for,” Jubahib stated. “Business owners and residents have long endured unstable services and high charges that could not meet the island’s demands. Our petitions to Congress and the Senate led to Republic Act 12144, and now that the Supreme Court has dismissed the TRO, Davao Light’s entry is official and legal.”

‘Buy your appliances now’

Mayor Lemuel Reyes echoed the sentiment, noting that the poor power quality had previously deterred investors and caused frequent damage to household electronics.

“This is what the people of Samal have been waiting for. For so long, people were afraid to buy appliances because they would just get damaged,” Reyes said. “To my brothers in Samal: now is the time to buy those appliances. To investors: come to Samal now, because we finally have good service.”

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News

Nordeco urges consumers not to switch to Davao Light as ERC’s CPCN is still temporary

by Nova Mae Francas
written by Nova Mae Francas

THE DAVAO del Norte Electric Cooperative (Nordeco) urged its consumers against switching to Davao Light and Power Co. as the certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN) is still “provisional.”Nordeco announced Tuesday, Jan. 20, that it continues to be a legitimate electric distribution utility to Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro.“Busa, giawhag ang atong mga pinanggang miyembro-konsumante-tag-iya sa padayon sa pagsuporta sa atong Nordeco,” it said.“Dili magpadala sa mga haylo nga magpakonek sa Davao Light aron malikayan ang kasamok ug kahasol,” it stressed.Nordeco reiterated that the law mandating expansion of Davao Light’s franchise in their areas is not yet final.“Ang balaud sa pag-expand sa Davao Light ngadto sa Nordeco franchise area, dili pa final kay gipasaka pa sa Supreme Court ang pag-question sa maong bala-udnon,” Nordeco said. It stressed that the hearing for the application of CPCN is still ongoing. “Ug gani, sa milabayng hearing adtong Enero 13, 2026, Dili hingit ug ligdong ang tubag sa Davao Light sa dihang gipangayuan sila og pasalig nga dili motaas ang taripa sa kuryente ug wala nay brownout kung mosulod na sila,” it stressed.In an en banc commission meeting on December 12, the ERC granted provisional authority (PA) approval for Davao Light’s CPCN. The ERC authorized Davao Light to start connecting customers in Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro, as stated in Republic Act 12144.Davao Light also urged the consumers that the decision allows them to accept applications for connections.Despite this, Nordeco continues their fight over the contested area.On Dec. 22, 2025, APEC Partylist Rep. Sergio Dagooc and PHILRECA Rep. Presley de Jesus filed House Bill 7006, granting Nordeco a franchise to construct, install, establish, operate, own, manage and maintain distribution systems for the conveyance of electric power to the end users in Davao del Norte and De Oro.This includes municipalities of Compostela, Monkayo, New Bataan, Montevista, Maragusan, Nabunturan, Mawab, Laak, Maco, Mabini And Pantukan in the province of Davao De Oro And municipalities of Asuncion, New Corella, Kapalong, San Isidro, and Talaingod in the Province Of Davao Del Norte and the City Of Tagum.In June 2025, Nordeco filed before the Supreme Court a petition for certiorari and prohibition with prayer for writ of preliminary injunction and temporary restraining order to declare Republic Act 12144 as “unconstitutional.”RA 12144, which lapsed into law on April 6, officially expands Davao Light’s franchise area to include Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro.

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Community

Davao Light gets green light to connect new customers

by Contributor
written by Contributor

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has granted provisional approval for Davao Light and Power Co. (DLPC) to start connecting customers in Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro, as stated in Republic Act 12144.

In an en banc commission meeting last Dec 12 2025, the energy regulator granted Provisional Authority (PA) approval for Davao Light’s Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN). This would mean Davao Light now has provisional approval to connect customers and collect payments for its service, subject to final approval by the commission.

“We welcome this decision of the ERC. For months, Davao Light has laid the foundation of our network in our expanded areas. With this decision, we can now accept applications for connections,” DLPC President and COO Enriczar Tia said.

Customers who want to transfer to Davao Light may apply online. Links to the application process can be found on the Davao Light Facebook page, website, and other channels.

Tia, however, said DLPC cannot take over the entire area covered by RA 12144 just yet with the continued refusal of NORDECO to sell its assets to the private utility. For now, DLPC has only been able to string a connection in Kapalong municipality due to its proximity to the original DLP area.

“We still hope to enter into negotiations for the assets of NORDECO so we can connect as many customers as we can,” he said. Customers in Kapalong may start receiving their Davao Light power before the year ends, and receive their Davao Light bills after their respective billing cycle, starting January next year.

He said DLPC has plans to put its own lines, poles, and substations, but it will take many years before it can start connecting customers in areas like Samal or Tagum.

Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib also expressed happiness over the CPCN issuance.

“This may be one document, but this spells a brighter future for the people of Davao del Norte. With the CPCN, Davao Light can now connect customers in Davao del Norte. This would mean lower rates and better service for all of us – something I have been fighting for our people since 2019. I will not stop until we have achieved this dream of ours. We hope for a smooth transition between NORDECO and Davao Light for the benefit of our consumers,” said Gov. Jubahib.

Tia said customers of the expanded areas will have lower electricity rates and will also experience the world-class service of DLP.

As of November 2025, Davao Light’s overall residential rate is P10.06 per kWh, while NORDECO residential customers paid P12.90 per kWh, or a difference of almost P3.00. For a residential customer with an average consumption of 120 kWh per month, the difference amounts to over P350 less for DLPC customers. This December, Davao Light’s overall residential rate reduced to Php9.7135/kWh. NORDECO has not yet released its December rates.

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Business

Davao Light: No talks yet with Nordeco as legal battle underway

by Nova Mae Francas
written by Nova Mae Francas

THE DAVAO Light and Power Company (Davao Light) has yet to sit down with Northern Davao Electric Cooperative’s (Nordeco) on transition activities pending the decision from the Supreme Court. 

“Unfortunately, we have yet to sit down with Nordeco because they are still waiting for the decision of the Court,” Engr. Enriczar Tia, Davao Light president and chief operating officer, said in a press conference on Monday at their Davao Light office.

In June, Nordeco filed before the Supreme Court a Petition for Certiorari and Prohibition with Prayer for Writ of Preliminary Injunction and Temporary Restraining Order to declare Republic Act 12144 as “unconstitutional.”

RA 12144, which lapsed into law on April 6, officially expands Davao Light’s franchise area to include Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro. 

But Tia stressed that pending the court’s decision, the law is regular and executory. 

He noted the extension of the poles in Kapalong and Tagum, Davao del Norte, is in line with the transition. 

“We are making all these activities necessary for preparation. We cannot wait for the next two years before we act,” he said. 

Tia added that they cannot proceed, considering the need for facilities such as poles, wires, and transformers, which the company has yet to complete.

He added that they offered to purchase the assets of Nordeco, but the latter did not agree to anything yet. 

“What’s going on now is building facilities, but the fastest, hopefully, is for us and Nordeco to be able to agree that we purchase their assets,” he said. 

Tia revealed the company has undergone a hearing with the Energy Regulatory Commission for the issuance of the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN). 

CPCN is a regulatory license in the country issued by bodies like the ERC, authorizing essential public utility services (like electricity, telecom, transport) to operate, ensuring they serve public interest and meet standards.

Tia said during the first hearing that the company was not able to present an expository presentation due to the interventions from Nordeco. Another hearing is set for Jan. 13, 2026.

“Hopefully, after that, ERC should be able to decide and then grant the CPCN so that legally we can start operating in Nordeco areas,” he said. 

Tia clarified that if, for instance, ERC grants the CPCN, the company still relies on Nordeco’s cooperation. 

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Opinion

DCM sees movement in Davao Light expansion, but urges faster progress

by Contributor
written by Contributor

MAJOR developments now pave the way for long-awaited improvements in electricity service for Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro.

On Nov. 24, 2025, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) conducted a hearing on the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN). This permit ensures that only qualified companies can operate power services that genuinely serve the public interest.

Once granted, the CPCN will allow Davao Light to legally expand into new areas. Under Republic Act 12144, the power distributor will extend its franchise to Tagum City, Island Garden City of Samal, Asuncion, Kapalong, New Corella, Talaingod, and San Isidro in Davao del Norte, as well as the entire province of Davao de Oro.

For consumers, this means that households and businesses in the expanded franchise area will soon gain access to Davao Light’s services – reliable and affordable electricity, improved customer service, and stronger support for local growth.

We commend the local chief executives and business leaders who attended the hearing for amplifying the voice of consumers, whom the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco) has continued to dismiss and ignore.

At the same time, we express disappointment that the second hearing has been scheduled for January 13, 2026, instead of December this year. While less than two months away, this delay prolongs the hardship of consumers awaiting a change in power service providers. We understand the realities of government bureaucracy, but such postponements hinder true progress.

Meanwhile, we commend the Davao del Norte Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee of the Whole for passing, on November 24, 2025, a resolution opposing NORDECO’s franchise renewal bid. The resolution will now move to the provincial board for deliberation.

The measure, filed last month by Board Member Al David T. Uy, cited mounting complaints from residents, particularly in the Island Garden City of Samal, over what they described as poor service from Nordeco.

We thank the seven board members who voted against Nordeco’s franchise renewal bid. Your decision reflects the voice of consumers in Davao del Norte and aligns with the call for change and progress in the province’s power service.

Lastly, we commend the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for passing two resolutions – 1181 and 1182 – that will further advance the efforts to support the power transition in Davao del Norte. 

Resolution 1181 calls for urgent action for a smooth, orderly, and uninterrupted transition of electrical services in Davao del Norte pursuant to Republic Act No. 12144.

Resolution 1182 expresses dissatisfaction with Nordeco’s electric distribution services due to their unreliability despite expensive charges. It requests the House of Representatives and the Senate to seriously take these sentiments into consideration in evaluating its application for franchise renewal.

Ultimately, these developments are about ensuring reliable, affordable electricity for the people of Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro, empowering communities to share in their provinces’ growth. #


Ryan Amper
Convenor
Davao Consumer Movement
0905-5634083

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