P2.82/kWh decrease in June 2024 residential power rate

Reduced power bill residential electricity rates for Davao Light customers this June

A substantial reduction will be experienced by Davao Light and Power Co., Inc. (Davao Light) customers in their bills during the billing period from June 11 to July 11, 2024. This comes after the power utility implements the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC)’s order, Case No. 2024-017 MC, announced on June 13, 2024, which mandates all distribution utilities to collect generation charges from the May billing of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) on a staggered basis, evenly divided from June 2024 to September 2024.

This resulted in a lower generation charge and subsequently a lower overall power rate this month.

In effect, this reduces Davao Light’s overall residential electricity rate by P2.8236 per kilowatt hour (kWh) this June bringing it down to P7.9372/kWh from last month’s P10.7608/kWh. A typical household consuming an average of 200 kWh per month will experience a decrease of P564.72 compared to the previous billing cycle.

“We ask for the understanding of our customers as we implement the recent ERC ruling. In effect, we have lower generation rates for June but from July to September, we expect high generation rates due to the staggered payment of WESM charges,” said Fermin Edillon, Davao Light Reputation Enhancement Department Head.

“To cushion the impact, we continue encouraging our customers to manage their energy consumption to avoid high electricity bills. We reiterate that monthly bills are affected by two factors, power rates and consumption. We can still have lower electricity bills by using electricity wisely,” Edillon advised.

Meanwhile, the ERC-approved distribution charge of Davao Light has not increased since 2013.

Davao Light customers may check its official website at www.davaolight.com for the complete June 2024 rates.

March 2024 power rate down; Davao Light warns of high consumption during the summer months

Warning : high power rate consumption during summer months

March 2024 power rate down; Davao Light warns of high consumption during the summer months

Residential customers of Davao Light and Power Co., Inc. (Davao Light) will see a decrease in their bills from March 12 to April 10, 2024, as the overall power rate is down to P8.9975 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) from P9.2570 last month.

Even with the rate decrease this March, Davao Light reminds customers of possible high electricity consumption during the summer months.

The P0.2595/kWh decrease in power rate is due to reduced generation rates brought about by decreased power supply prices from the Philippine Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) in Mindanao and coal prices from the world market. A typical household with an average monthly electricity consumption of 200 kWh will experience a drop of P51.90 compared to their February billing.

Despite this, the power utility reminds customers of possible high electricity consumption, especially since El Niño is here.

According to the latest climate monitoring of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the country’s weather bureau, the ongoing El Niño will likely persist until March, April, and May 2024, as suggested by the majority of global climate models.

“The lower power rate is a positive development for our customers following slight rate increases in the past two months,” said Fermin Edillon, Davao Light Reputation Enhancement Department Head. “However, even with the decreased rate, our customers may still incur high electricity bills if power usage is not well managed. We encourage them to effectively manage their consumption to avoid high electricity bills.”

It is important to note that monthly bills are affected by two factors – rates and consumption.

Power rates as seen in Davao Light’s unbundled monthly bills are divided into 4 major components: Generation and Transmission, Distribution, Subsidies and Other Charges, and Government Charges and Taxes. Generation and transmission charges are pass-through charges that the distribution utility collects and pays to power suppliers and the transmission operator, respectively. Meanwhile, the distribution charge that goes to Davao Light, and approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has not increased since 2013.

Since power rates are uncontrollable, Davao Light customers can still manage their electricity bills by focusing on their consumption. They can conserve energy by lessening the number of hours or days used for a particular appliance. Moreover, with hotter days come the frequent and longer use of cooling appliances. Davao Light advises customers to open doors and windows or use electric fans with lower consumption than air conditioners.

“March is Fire Prevention Month. It is equally important to apply electrical safety measures alongside energy conservation, as it will benefit our family and community,” Edillon added.

For more energy conservation and safety tips, Davao Light customers may check its official Facebook page DavaoLightOfficial. Meanwhile, for the complete monthly rates, customers may check http://www.davaolight.com.

Davao Light, an Aboitiz Power Corporation subsidiary, aims to provide its customers with a front-seat vantage point regarding its services, including the sourcing and pricing of its electricity. This is in line with the mission of the company to deliver, at the most reasonable cost, safe and reliable electric service to the people and businesses it serves.

P0.0774/kWh increase in January 2024 power rate

Power rate increase

P0.0774/kWh increase in January 2024 power rate

Davao Light and Power Co., Inc. (Davao Light) residential customers will see a slight increase in their bills for January 2024 as the overall power rate is up by P0.0774 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). From P8.74/kWh last December 2023, it is now P8.82/kWh due to higher market prices that pushed the generation rate up. This rate applies to bills received from January 11 to February 10, 2024.

The increase was driven by the higher cost of power from Independent Power Producers to whom Davao Light sources part of its supply requirement. The distribution utility sources more than 50% of its power requirements from non-renewable sources such as coal, while nearly 50% is from renewable sources such as hydropower — a cheaper source — which remains unaffected by the volatility of world market prices. Even so, Davao Light is doing its best to maintain a well-balanced power supply mix to provide its customers with reliable power at the most reasonable cost.

Since power rates are uncontrollable, Davao Light customers can still have better control over their electricity bills by focusing on their consumption. One can conserve energy by lessening the number of hours or days used for a particular appliance.

Moreover, the company warns about individuals or businesses who sell energy-saving devices. “We would like to caution everyone against dealing with individuals who claim to be representatives of Davao Light or claim to have the solution to high electricity bills,” Davao Light Reputation Enhancement Department Head Fermin Edillon said. “These individuals offer to install energy-saving devices in electric meters, but remember, we do not endorse any device that will reduce power consumption. We remind everyone that energy conservation is still the best way to save on electricity costs,” Edillon explained.

Davao Light reminds the public that altering or tampering with electrical meters is a breach of contract and is considered an illegal use of electricity punishable by law under RA 7832 or the Anti-electricity and Electric Transmission Lines/Materials Pilferage Act of 1994.

“If you encounter such suspicious individuals, check their credentials and verify their identity with us through any of our customer contact channels. Tampering with electrical meters or electricity pilferage is a threat to public safety as it can cause electrocution or fire incidents,” Edillon added.

Davao Light customers are encouraged to read about electrical safety and energy conservation tips on its official Facebook page DavaoLightOfficial, and check the complete monthly rates at www.davaolight.com.

Davao Light, an Aboitiz Power Corporation subsidiary, aims to provide its customers with a front-seat vantage point regarding its services, including the sourcing and pricing of its electricity. This is in line with the mission of the company to deliver, at the most reasonable cost, safe and reliable electric service to the people and businesses it serves.

Power rate down November 2023

Power rate down Novermber 2023

The overall residential power rate of Davao Light and Power Co., Inc. (Davao Light) has decreased from P9.21 last month to P9.12 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) this November. This translates to P18.98 difference from the previous billing of households whose average monthly electricity consumption is 200 kWh. This rate applies to bills received from November 11 to December 11, 2023.

The reduction is attributed to the decrease in power supply prices from both the Philippine Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) in Mindanao and a coal power supplier, from which the company sources a portion of its power requirement. Despite this, Davao Light reiterates that market prices are volatile thus changes in the power rate are expected every month.

Moreover, the distribution utility reminds customers to properly manage their energy consumption, especially now that it is the holiday season. During this period, people decorate their homes with Christmas lights and other electrical decorations, and they hold gatherings at home leading to higher usage of electrical devices and appliances. These contribute to higher power consumption and consequently higher monthly bills.

“Aside from the power rate, another important factor that contributes to our monthly bill is our energy consumption”, said Fermin Edillon, Davao Light Reputation Enhancement Department Head. “While the power rate remains beyond our control, our ability to regulate and manage our power usage also dictates whether our electricity bill will be high or low,” Edillon added.

There are several simple ways to conserve power at home and one is to make a habit of unplugging unused electric appliances that act like energy vampires, sucking power even when they are not in use. Davao Light also reminds its customers to lessen the number of hours or days used for a particular appliance. By using them for shorter durations or less frequently, one can reduce energy consumption.

Davao Light customers can check the power utility’s official Facebook page for more energy conservation tips, and www.davaolight.com for the complete November rates.

Davao Light, an AboitizPower subsidiary, is the third largest privately-owned electric distribution utility in the country in terms of customer size and annual kWh sales. Its franchise area covers the cities of Davao and Panabo and the municipalities of Carmen, Dujali, and Sto. Tomas in Davao del Norte, with a population of approximately 2.23 million and a total area of 3,561 sq. kms.

Power rates continue to decrease for March 2023

Low power rates in March

Power rates continue to decrease for March 2023

The overall power rate of Davao Light and Power Co., Inc. (Davao Light) further decreased from P11.52 last month to P11.14 this March.

The thirty-eight (0.38) centavo per kilowatt-hour decrease is due to (1) Davao Light’s participation in the commercial operation of the Philippine Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) in Mindanao which the company took advantage of given the low power supply prices, and (2) the decrease of the price of power from coal suppliers where Davao Light sources a part of its power requirement. It can be recalled that power generation rates were high beginning in June 2022 due to the increase in the price of imported fuel particularly coal.

Davao Light customers whose household’s average monthly electricity consumption is 200 kilowatt-hours (kWh) will experience a decrease of P76 this month as compared to their February billing.

Power rates as reflected in Davao Light monthly bills are divided into 4 major components: Generation and Transmission, Distribution, Subsidies and Other Charges, and Government Charges and Taxes. Generation and transmission charges are pass-through charges that the distribution utility collects and pays to power suppliers and the transmission operator, respectively. The company only charges its customers for distribution, which remains at an average of P1.4257 per kilowatt-hour as approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). This charge has not increased since 2013.

Davao Light, an AboitizPower subsidiary, aims to provide its customers with a front-seat vantage point regarding its services, including the sourcing and pricing of its electricity. This is in line with the mission of the company to deliver at the most reasonable cost, safe and reliable electric service to the people and businesses it serves.

Overall power rates for February 2023 low

Lower electricity bills for Davao consumers this February

Overall power rates for February 2023 low

Davao Light and Power Co., Inc. customers whose household’s average monthly electricity consumption is 200 kilowatt-hours (kWh) will see a decrease of P185.94 this month of February as compared to their previous month’s billing. This is because of the ninety-three (0.93) centavo decrease in the overall power rate due mainly to higher availability of cheaper hydropower supply from NPC/PSALM and decreasing fuel rates of coal suppliers.

The generation rate is at P6.79 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for February which is a P0.85 decrease from last month. This brings the total power rate down to P11.52 from P12.45 in January.

Power rates as reflected in Davao Light monthly bills are divided into 4 major components: Generation and Transmission, Distribution, Subsidies and Other Charges, and Government Charges and Taxes. Generation and transmission charges are pass-through charges that Davao Light collects and pays to power suppliers and the transmission operator, respectively.

Meanwhile, Davao Light only charges the customers for distribution, which remains at an average of P1.4257 per kilowatt-hour as approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). This charge has not increased since 2013.
The company sources more than 50% of its power requirements from non-renewable sources such as coal while nearly 50% is from renewable sources such as hydropower, a cheaper source, which remains unaffected by the volatility of world market prices. Davao Light assures its customers that it is doing its best to maintain a well-balanced power mix to provide its customers with reliable power at the most reasonable cost.

Davao Light encourages its customers to use energy efficiently to better manage their electricity consumption at home. They can check on the complete February power rates at Davao Light’s website, www.davaolight.com, and click on Customer Services – Monthly Rates Schedule.

Davao Light is the third largest privately-owned electric distribution utility in the country in terms of customer size and annual kWh sales. Its franchise area covers the cities of Davao and Panabo and the municipalities of Carmen, Dujali, and Sto. Tomas in Davao del Norte, with a population of approximately 2.23 million and a total area of 3,561 sq. kms.

Lower power rates for Davao this October

Decrease in power rate for October

Customers of Davao Light and Power Co., Inc. will notice a decrease of two (2) pesos in the overall power rate on their electric bills as a result of a reduction mainly in the generation rate for the month of October. The complete data for October power rates are now available at www.davaolight.com.

From the P8.0342 generation rate for the September bill, it is now at P6.3678 for October, bringing the total power rate this month to P10.8028 from P13.0101 last September. This is due to high drawings of cheaper power supply from NPC/PSALM. For a typical household with average monthly electricity consumption of 200 kWh, this translates to a reduction of P441 from the previous bill.

Power rates as reflected in Davao Light monthly bills and posted on the company’s website are divided into 4 major components: Generation and Transmission, Distribution, Subsidies and Other Charges, and Government Charges and Taxes. Generation and transmission charges are pass-through charges that Davao Light collects and pays to power suppliers and the transmission operator, respectively.

Meanwhile, the distribution charge which is the only charge of Davao Light remains at an average of P1.4257 per kilowatt-hour as approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). This charge has not increased since 2013.

Davao Light earlier informed its customers that the increase in power rates which was first felt last June was mainly due to the rise in the generation rate as a result of the price increase of imported fuel, particularly coal. Rising energy demands and the continuing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, among others, are contributing to the rise in fuel prices.

The company sources 50% of its power requirements from non-renewable sources such as coal which increased eightfold in price. The other 50% are from renewable sources such as hydropower which is not affected by the increase in imported fuel prices. Davao Light has long aimed for a well-balanced power mix and maintained the 50-50 power mix of renewable and non-renewable resources. This cushioned the otherwise high impact of the world market price of coal on the overall power rate of Davao Light.

Davao Light encourages its customers to continue to be prudent and efficient in the use of electricity. One way to lower energy consumption is by limiting the use of heating and cooling devices and appliances that consume high energy.

Davao Light, an AboitizPower subsidiary, is committed to delivering at the most reasonable cost, safe, and reliable electric service to all customers in its franchise area in the cities of Davao and Panabo and the municipalities of Carmen, Dujali, and Sto. Tomas in Davao del Norte. (PR)