Mawab residents hit by September power bill spike look to Davao Light for relief

Residents of Mawab town in Davao de Oro say a sudden jump in their September electricity bills strained household budgets, with some forced to cut food spending to avoid disconnection, according to Mindanao Times.

Mimi Permangil, 27, who works at a local bakeshop, said her bill reached P1,500, up from her usual average of about P600. She said she took money from her family's food budget to pay it, estimating that the bill ate up about half of her budget for the month. "We couldn't afford to have our electricity cut off," she said.

She told the outlet that the utility no longer allows a two-month grace period and that, once a red-ink disconnection notice arrives, consumers have less than an hour to pay at the office. She said her household uses power mostly in the evening, and that co-workers confirmed their costs had also gone up. She added that rising prices at the public market have made the situation harder.

Benny Amigo, 47, who runs a frozen meat shop, said he paid P18,000 in September, compared with his usual P12,000 to P14,000. He said his earnings that month covered the difference but that continued increases would not be sustainable. He noted that brownouts in the town now last only about 45 minutes to an hour.

Egg vendor Ching Cabatuan, 38, said her bill reached P1,300 even though her family of four is home only at night and uses three electric fans and a refrigerator. Her household spends about P5,000 a month, and she is also paying for two children in college and high school. She said the higher bill added to the burden and that costs can rise without warning.

All three said they hope Davao Light and Power Co., which is taking over Nordeco's franchise in the area, will offer cheaper rates. "If Davao Light comes here, hopefully they can give us more clarity," Cabatuan said.