Davao Light and Power Company

Davao Light & Power Co., Inc., an AboitizPower subsidiary, held two sessions of Consumer Forum dubbed "KuryenTalks" with the business chambers based in Davao City yesterday, September 24 at the Davao Light Admin Office, C. Bangoy Sr. Street (formerly Ponciano Reyes).

According to Rodger S. Velasco, Davao Light's Executive Vice President & COO, the activity is aligned with the Department of Energy's (DOE) objective of providing updates to its stakeholders of the current power situation and industry developments.

 

Invited to the forum was DOE's Assistant Secretary Engr. Redentor Delola who talked about Mindanao's power situation and the implementation of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market. “Mindanao has come a long way from being deprived of sufficient electricity supply to an era wherein substantial amounts of capacities and reserves are available to address the ever growing demands of our consumers. It is therefore high for us to implement policies and programs, like WESM Mindanao, that will further improve the transparency, efficiency and competition in the entire electric power industry with emphasis on providing the power of choice not just to the business sector but to all of our consumers.” Delola said.

 

Meanwhile, Velasco briefed the various business chambers on how the electric distribution utility strategically addresses the increasing demand  for power given the robust economy of Davao.  Its service policy is in tune with the World Energy Council’s thrust of sustainability, which is based on three core dimensions – energy security, energy equity, and environmental sustainability.  This is referred to as the Energy Trillema.

 

"There has been a steady increase in the demand for power in spite of the acute energy shortage conditions from 2010 up to the first four months of 2016.  This year  the peak demand registered at 417 MW, which is higher by 13 MW compared to 2017, when we first reached the 400 MW level.  However, we are forecasting a compounded annual growth rate of  5.44% for a 5-year period up to 2019", said Velasco.

 

The steady growth may be evident on how Davao City's facade and landscape have changed recently.  From horizontal buildings, there are now several multi-story condominiums in the central business district.  Since 2014 to present, the power distributor has received over 60 applications for 1 MVA and above service connections, according to Velasco.