Davao Light and Power Company, announced on Wednesday that the power rate this month will be reduced by P0.21 centavos.
Fermin Edillon, head of the Reputation Enhancement Department of DLPC, explained that last month the rate was at P9.20 per kilowatt hour but by January 2025 the rate will be reduced by 21 centavos per kilowatt hour making it only at P8.98 per kilowatt hour.
Edillon attributed the decrease to the affordability of power supply from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM).
“Ako na pud klaruhon duha ka factors atong i-consider pag abot was power rate: the consumption and the rate per kilowatt hour. Ang consumption is beyond our control kay ang ga-control ana is the customers sa number of hours sa pagggamit nila sa ilang aircon, electric fan, ug uban pa,” he said during the Davao Peace and Security Press Corps media briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel.
Edillon said Davao Light is committed to sourcing affordable power supply to make it affordable also to their customers.
“On our part, nagapadayon gihapon mi sa among commitment ug usa sa mga supply nga gikuhaan ug barato is ang WESM ug mao na ang reason nga nakapaubos sa atoang rate. That is our commitment nga mangita gyud mi us supply sa kuryente na barato para dili pud dako ug impact sa mga bulsa sa among customers,” he said.
Edillon added that when power rates are low it would also attract investors.
“That is what we are trying to do to reduce our rates because it attracts investors. Attracting investors would mean kanang trabaho also diri sa atoang lugar kay naa may mag invest, naay ipangtukod na kompanya, mga pabrika that would require manpower. Kung manpower, taga Davao gyud ang unahon ana. It will also help sa atong mga kaigsoonan nga makakuha ug nindot na trabaho. Thats the reason why we are doing our best na mapababa ang atong rates,” he said.
Edillon emphasized that the electricity rates have a bit of volatility because it is the market price that is taken into account and also depends on the price of fuel in the world market.
“Definitely sa law of supply and demand pag musaka ang demand musaka pud ang presyo sa kuryente. This is dictated by the world market ug dili ta makadikta ani ug dili ta makabuot ani niya. On our part mangita lang gyud mi ug mga sources na makuhaan ug barato,” he said.
