Davao city: The Davao Light and Power Company Inc. (DLPC) has formally assumed sole authority to operate, bill, and collect payments in its expanded franchise areas in Davao del Norte following the Energy Regulatory Commission's (ERC) directive under Case No. 2025-038 MC. Arnel Bersabe, senior assistant vice president, in Monday's press briefing said the ERC order resolves consumer confusion and prevents double billing.

According to Philippines News Agency, to eliminate overlaps, the ERC ordered the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative, Inc. (NORDECO) to immediately cease billing and collection in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS), Tagum City, and the municipalities of Asuncion, Kapalong, New Corella, San Isidro, and Talaingod. NORDECO must also turn over consumer records and billing data to Davao Light within 15 days.

'We are fully committed to ensuring a seamless transition and will work tirelessly to uphold the quality and reliability of service our customers expect and deserve,' Bersabe said, assuring uninterrupted power supply during the handover. The ERC order further directs NORDECO to cooperate in transferring metering and service records, warning that failure to comply will warrant a show cause order.

A status quo remains in Davao de Oro, with NORDECO continuing operations until Davao Light establishes or acquires its own distribution system. NORDECO, in a July 3 statement, said it will abide by the ERC order, discontinuing operations in IGACOS, Tagum City, and the affected municipalities in Davao del Norte, while continuing to serve its member-consumer-owners in 11 municipalities of Davao de Oro.

On the other hand, Bersabe reported that DLPC deployed a mobile contract-signing team, especially to the far-flung municipalities. 'We confirm that we have a mobile contract signing team for specific places that are far. We will give the consumers a convenient and accessible contract signing,' he said.