The Davao Consumer Movement is demanding an explanation from Davao Light and Power Company over continuing delays in the release of electricity bills in its expanded franchise area, warning that consumers are being hit with accumulated charges when bills are finally issued.
Consumer advocate and Davao Consumer Movement convenor Ryan Amper said delayed billing has been a recurring complaint among consumers in areas transferred to Davao Light.
“We recently observed a delay in the billing of consumers in the expanded franchise area of Davao Light. This has been an ongoing complaint of consumers in the expanded area since Davao Light stepped in,” Amper said.
According to the group, some consumers have reportedly waited several months for their electricity bills since Davao Light assumed billing responsibilities in the expanded franchise area.
The delay, Amper said, has created uncertainty among consumers and, in some cases, resulted in “bill shocks” when several months’ worth of charges are issued at once.
The Davao Consumer Movement is calling on Davao Light to publicly explain the cause of the delays, including whether they are linked to operational or technical problems, billing systems, infrastructure, or the transition of consumer records from the previous electricity distributor.
“Davao Light’s lack of clear, timely information on the delayed billing is deeply concerning,” Amper said.
He stressed that consumers should not be made to bear the burden of accumulated charges when the delay in receiving their bills was beyond their control.
“Consumers are already struggling with high power rates. They should not be left to shoulder the burden of accumulated unpaid bills simply because their bills were not issued on time,” he said.
The group also urged Davao Light to provide clear and accessible options for consumers who suddenly receive bills covering several months.
Amper said the issue is particularly significant because consumers in the expanded franchise area had previously pushed for a change in power distributor in the hope of getting more transparent and accountable electricity services.
“When we fought for a change in power distributors, we called for transparent and accountable power services something the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative failed to provide us,” Amper said.
The Davao Consumer Movement is now asking Davao Light to take immediate action on the delayed billing issue and provide concrete relief to affected consumers.
Among the group’s demands are for Davao Light to publicly explain the reasons for the delayed release of electricity bills, provide clear solutions for consumers facing accumulated bills, and remove or waive arrears, penalties and other charges attributable to delayed billing.
Amper said Davao Light’s commitment to providing transparent power services should be demonstrated through timely information and concrete measures for consumers affected by the billing delays.
“Consumers demand answers. Davao Light made a commitment to be a more transparent power service provider, and it must now demonstrate that commitment through clear explanations, timely action, and concrete relief for affected consumers,” he said.
