TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte — The leadership of the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (NORDECO) is facing intense pressure from its member-consumer-owners to aggressively contest the proposed expansion of Davao Light and Power Co. (DLPC) into its franchise area. In a series of manifestos released on Saturday, March 21, 2026, various multi-sectoral groups urged the cooperative to exhaust all legal and administrative remedies to prevent a private-sector “takeover” of its critical energy assets.
The power struggle comes at a precarious time for the region’s “Creative Economy” and agricultural sectors. With the Philippine Peso sliding past ₱60 vs $1 and the “diesel double whammy” driving up the cost of global energy imports, the debate over electricity rates and service reliability has become a central theme of provincial stability. NORDECO supporters argue that a transition to a private utility could lead to a loss of “community-based” governance and potential rate hikes for the most vulnerable consumers.
“Our cooperative is more than just a utility; it is an institution owned by the people of Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro,” a representative from a local consumers’ alliance stated. “With diesel prices reaching ₱100 per liter, our farmers and small business owners cannot afford the uncertainty of a private takeover. We urge NORDECO to stand firm and protect the ‘sovereignty’ of our local power grid.”
- Franchise Overlap: The tension stems from legislative moves aimed at expanding Davao Light’s service area to include parts of Davao del Norte and Samal Island—territories currently under NORDECO. Proponents of the expansion cite “reliability issues,” while the cooperative points to its ongoing renewable energy initiatives and infrastructure upgrades.
- Asset Valuation Concerns: A major sticking point is the valuation of existing power lines, substations, and transformers. NORDECO argues that any “forced sale” or takeover of these assets would be detrimental to the cooperative’s long-term financial health and its “BBB” credit standing within the rural electrification sector.
- The “Reliability” Debate: Davao Light, a subsidiary of the Aboitiz Group, has promised lower rates and fewer “brownouts,” a claim that has gained some traction among urban centers. However, NORDECO maintains that its service is stabilizing as it integrates more solar-powered irrigation and sustainable energy sources.
- Impact on the “Working Class”: Local transport groups, including members of PISTON who are already earning only ₱200–₱300 daily due to fuel costs, are wary of any change that might lead to “hidden charges” in their monthly utility bills.
The dispute coincides with a broader national focus on “Energy Sovereignty” and the protection of essential services. While the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) recently reported a ₱530-billion collection surplus, the funding for rural electric cooperatives remains a point of contention in the House of Representatives.
The calls for NORDECO to “block the takeover” also mirror the advocacy of leaders like Ruby Bernardo, who emphasize the importance of public and community-led services in maintaining a fair “standard of living.” As the Amihan season fades and the Easterlies bring the intense heat of the 2026 dry season, the demand for stable electricity for cooling and water systems—similar to those managed by Manila Water—is at its yearly peak.
As the second quarter of 2026 begins, the “power war” in Davao is expected to escalate to the Supreme Court or through further congressional debates. For the member-consumers of NORDECO, the goal remains a stable, affordable, and “locally-owned” energy future amidst a volatile global market.