Manila: The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has granted provisional approval for the Davao Light and Power Co. (DLPC) to operate in Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro. In a statement Saturday, DLPC president and chief operations officer Enriczar Tia confirmed that this authority allows Davao Light to provisionally connect customers and collect payments for its services, pending final approval from the commission.

According to Philippines News Agency, the expansion of DLPC was initially approved in April through Republic Act (RA) 12144, permitting the company to take over franchise areas from Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (NORDECO) in parts of the two provinces. The energy regulator, in an en banc commission meeting on Dec. 12, granted Provisional Authority (PA) approval for Davao Light's Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN).

Tia welcomed the ERC's decision, stating that Davao Light has been preparing its network in the expanded areas for months. The decision now allows the company to accept applications for connections. However, DLPC is unable to take over the entire area covered by RA 12144 due to NORDECO's refusal to sell its assets to the private utility.

Currently, DLPC has managed to establish a connection in Kapalong town in Davao del Norte because of its proximity to the original DLPC area. Tia expressed hope for future negotiations to acquire NORDECO's assets, which would enable DLPC to connect more customers.

Tia noted that customers wishing to switch to DLPC can apply online, with application details available on the Davao Light Facebook page, website, and other channels. He mentioned that customers in Kapalong could start receiving power from DLPC before the year ends, with billing beginning in January next year.

Future plans for DLPC include installing its own lines, poles, and substations. However, it may take several years before connecting customers in areas such as Samal or Tagum.