Davao region electricity supply and rate issues

Electricity consumers in the Davao region are facing rising costs and supply instability. Davao Light and Power Co. implemented a residential rate increase to P13.33 per kilowatt-hour for the October to November 2026 billing period, citing higher generation charges from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market and tight supply conditions.

To address these challenges, the Davao City Council has sought additional power allocations and capacity expansion from Therma South Inc. to mitigate market price fluctuations. While Davao Light maintains that the supply remains stable through a diversified energy mix, concerns persist regarding the impact of El Niño on hydroelectric capacity.

In Davao Oriental, the local business chamber has called on the Philippine Senate and House of Representatives to extend Davao Light’s legislative franchise to Mati City and other municipalities currently served by the Davao Oriental Electric Cooperative Inc. The chamber cited frequent brownouts, unannounced interruptions, and voltage fluctuations as significant threats to the province’s tourism, agriculture, and small business sectors.