THE DAVAO Light and Power Company (DLPC) assured consumers on Wednesday that supply in its franchise area remains stable despite the expected destructive impact of the El Niño phenomenon on hydro power plants until the first quarter of next year
Speaking at the Davao Peace and Security Press Corps media briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, DLPC reputation enhancement head Fermin Edillon clarified that major power plant outages experienced between August and September have mostly ended, with facilities returning online by mid-October.
However, a few generation units remain under scheduled preventive maintenance.
“So far, we have not monitored any problems in our electricity supply,” Edillon said. “However, recent yellow alerts in the Visayas grid could still potentially impact the power situation in Luzon and Mindanao.”
Edillon explained that dry spells typically hit renewable energy sources hardest—specifically hydroelectric plants—due to declining water reservoir levels, which reduce total power generation capacity.
“We have two main types of sources: renewable and non-renewable,” Edillon said. “While hydro capacity drops during El Niño because of lower dam water levels, consumers should not worry because we rely on a diversified mix, including non-renewable sources like coal-fired plants.”
To ensure long-term stability, DLPC has secured Power Supply Agreements (PSAs) with various generation companies to maintain necessary grid reserves during dry months.
Should supply deficits worsen, Edillon noted that DLPC is prepared to activate contingency measures, such as the Department of Energy’s Interruptible Load Program.
Under the ILP, major commercial and industrial consumers voluntarily disconnect from the main grid and run on embedded generator sets or solar power, freeing up utility supply for residential households.
“During past red alert situations, big businesses stepped up to help,” Edillon added. “If a supply crunch occurs, residential customers will be prioritized—especially at night when household demand peaks.”
Despite utility safeguards, Edillon urged consumers to practice energy efficiency to help manage household electricity costs during hot weather.
