Davao Light and Power Company, Inc. (Davao Light) increased its electricity rates for the March-April 2026 billing period, citing higher generation charges driven by rising power supply costs.
The electric distribution utility said the overall residential rate climbed to P10.63 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), reflecting a P0.33/kWh increase from February’s P10.30/kWh. The adjustment was mainly attributed to higher prices in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), where part of its electricity supply was sourced.
For typical households consuming 200 kWh, the adjustment translated to an additional P65.40 in their electricity bills for the March 12 to April 11 billing cycle.
Davao Light also implemented a Uniform Lifeline Subsidy charge of P0.01/kWh in March 2026, in line with regulatory directives. The rate applied to customers not enrolled in the Lifeline Subsidy program and to those whose consumption exceeded the 100 kWh threshold.
Meanwhile, under-recovery charges continued to be reflected in billing statements starting the February–March cycle.
According to Davao Light, these adjustments allowed distribution utilities to recover costs that were previously under-collected due to timing differences between supplier billings and customer charges.
Fermin Edillon, head of the company’s Reputation Enhancement Department, warned that global developments could further pressure electricity prices.
“With ongoing tensions in the Middle East pushing global fuel prices higher, electricity costs may be affected. Any impact will likely be reflected in the next billing cycles, when power suppliers charge for the current supply of electricity,” Edillon said.
The company encouraged customers to adopt energy-saving measures to help manage their electricity expenses amid rising rates.
A subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Corporation, Davao Light said it remained committed to transparency in pricing and sourcing while continuing to deliver reliable and reasonably priced electricity services to households and businesses.
