Consumer group presses Davao Light over delayed bills in expanded franchise area

A consumer advocacy group has called on Davao Light and Power Co. to fix what it describes as persistent billing delays and questionable meter readings in the distributor's expanded franchise area, where some households say they have received bills covering several months of electricity use at once, according to Edge Davao.

In a statement released Friday, Ryan Amper, convenor of the Davao Consumer Movement, said residents in several parts of Davao del Norte had reported receiving no electricity bills for up to five months since July 2026. The group listed Tagum City, the Island Garden City of Samal, Asuncion, Kapalong, New Corella, Sawata in San Isidro, and Talaingod among the affected areas.

According to the group, some consumers were later billed for four months of consumption and others for three, leaving them with large, unexpected payments and little time to prepare. The movement said this could strain families who depend on fixed monthly budgets.

The group also said some customers had noticed differences between the consumption shown on their bills and the readings on their own electric meters. It added that residents in the former Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (NORDECO) franchise area were frustrated because they had been used to a read-and-bill system that let them track usage and plan monthly payments.

Amper criticised what he called the lack of clear answers to complaints. He said consumers were often told to check the company's mobile application, while customer service staff and collection centres reportedly could not explain accumulated bills, disputed readings or billing discrepancies. The group also questioned whether Davao Light has enough capacity and resources to serve the expanded area.

Amper said consumers had expected better service, more reliable supply, greater transparency and faster assistance when Davao Light took over the area five months ago. Instead, he said, they continue to face delayed billing, doubtful meter readings, poor customer service and high rates.

The movement urged Davao Light to resolve the problems without shifting the burden to consumers, and to provide clear explanations, accurate meter readings, timely billing and concrete solutions for affected households. The source report did not include a response from Davao Light.