The Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) have clarified the recent increase in electricity rates, assuring Dabawenyos that the adjustment was driven solely by higher generation costs and not by any change in distribution charges.
According to DLPC’s published advisories, residential electricity rates have steadily increased over the past several months from Php 9.71 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in December 2025 to Php 13.09 per kWh for the July 11 to August 10, 2026 billing period.
On July 20, Councilor Danilo C. Dayanghirang issued a call through his Facebook post urging DLPC to explain the unusual and continuous rise in electricity rates, stressing that the escalating cost of electricity has become an additional burden to Dabawenyos that is already coping with rising prices of food, fuel, transportation, and other basic necessities.
The councilor emphasized that, while power generation costs fluctuate, consumers deserve to know why electricity rates continue to rise despite Mindanao’s major power generation facilities, including coal-fired power plants.
“Almost two million residents of Davao City deserve a clear, explanation. The people have the right to know why their electricity bills continue to increase month after month. It is time for Davao Light to answer the questions of the public,” he said.
Engr. Enriczar Tia, President and Chief Operating Officer of DLPC explained that the increase was primarily driven by higher generation charges, particularly the cost of electricity purchased from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) where several major power plants went and some generating facilities were also affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Southern Mindanao on June 8, 2026.
Generation charges, Tia clarified, are pass-through costs under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), meaning it does not receive any additional revenue as a result of these increases.
“The increase in this month’s electricity rate was not caused by any increase in Davao Light’s distribution charge. In fact, our distribution rate has remained unchanged since it was approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission in 2013. For more than 13 years, we have not increased our distribution charge,” he said during the 29th Regular Session at Sangguniang Panlungsod on July 21, 2026.
To ease the impact on customers, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) approved DLPC’s request to defer the collection of a portion of the generation charges. Only a porting is reflected in July bills and the rest to be recovered in equal installments from August to December.
DLPC also encouraged customers to continue practicing efficient such as turning off unused lights and appliances, maximizing natural lighting and ventilation, and using energy-efficient appliances to help manage monthly bills.
Councilor Dayanghirang reiterated that reliable and affordable electricity is essential to the welfare of every Dabawenyo and to the continued growth and development of Davao City. CIO
Written by: N. Malasado
Edited by: A. Nawal
Photo by: E. Morata