The Davao Consumer Movement (DCM) has sounded the alarm over the latest electricity rate hike imposed by Davao Light and Power Company, warning that the sharp increase adds yet another financial strain on households already grappling with soaring living expenses.
Davao Light implemented a P2.0052 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) increase in January 2026, raising the residential electricity rate to P11.7187/kWh from P9.7135/kWh in December 2025. The new rate applies to bills received from January 11 to February 10, 2026.
“For an average household consuming 200 kWh per month, this increase translates to an additional P400 in their electric bill,” DCM said. “This is a substantial burden for families already struggling with the rising cost of living.”
In a statement posted on its official Facebook page, Davao Light attributed the adjustment primarily to higher power supply costs from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), triggered by several power plant outages in the previous month. The utility also cited the implementation of a new government charge—the Green Energy Auction Allowance (GEA-All)—under Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Case No. 2025-127 RC dated December 26, 2025.
But DCM said the company’s explanation “does not paint the full picture.” While acknowledging that WESM price spikes and the GEA-All charge may have contributed to the increase, the group argued that these factors alone do not fully justify the steep adjustment.
“Consumers are left questioning whether the billions being spent on Davao Light’s expansion projects in Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro are also contributing to the higher rates,” the group said, pointing to what it described as a lack of clarity and transparency in the company’s disclosures.
DCM noted that Davao Light has long been known for offering some of the lowest electricity rates in the country, making the sudden and significant increase particularly alarming for many households.
“This sharp hike has come as a shock, undermining public trust and raising doubts about the company’s commitment to affordability,” the group added.
The consumer group also recalled assurances made by Davao Light during congressional and Senate hearings on Republic Act 12144, where the company pledged to keep electricity rates low despite its expansion into new service areas.
“Today, that promise appears to be slipping away. At a time when families are already overburdened by rising expenses, power rates should not become another source of anxiety,” DCM said.
DCM urged Davao Light to provide a more transparent and comprehensive explanation of the factors behind the rate increase and to remain mindful of its impact on the communities it serves. The group said it will continue monitoring developments related to the adjustment and reaffirmed its commitment to advocate for consumers.
“We stand with consumers in demanding fairness, transparency, and the fulfillment of promises made,” the group said.
